Colin Powell dies from Covid ‘complications’ despite taking vaccine
Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell has died from Covid-19 “complications” despite being vaccinated, his family has confirmed.
Former US Secretary of State and war hero Colin Powell has died from Covid-19 ‘complications’, his family has confirmed.
Powell, the first Black US Secretary of State and the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was a key figure in a number of Republican administrations but saw his legacy tarnished when he made the case for war in Iraq in 2003.
He was 84 and fully vaccinated against Covid-19, but died at the Walter Reed National Medical Cent on Monday.
“General Powell is an American hero, an American example and a great American story,” President-elect George W. Bush said of Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants who became the Republican president’s secretary of state in 2000.
“In directness of speech, his towering integrity, his deep respect for our democracy, and his soldier’s sense of duty and honour, Colin Powell demonstrates … qualities that will make him a great representative of all the people of this country.”
In a Facebook post on Monday night, his family posted the news citing “complications” with the virus.
“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.,” they said in a statement.
The retired four-star general, who was also suffering from Parkinson’s and battling blood cancer, is survived by his wife Alma and three children, Linda, Michael and Annemarie.
Alma Powell also contracted Covid but has responded to treatment, according to reports.
Further details on Powell’s condition before he died have not been revealed but tributes have begun pouring in to honour the American political veteran.
Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush said they were “deeply saddened” by the news of Powell’s passing.
“He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam,” Mr Bush said. “Many presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience. He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my administration.
“He was such a favourite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad,” Mr Bush continued. “And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend.”
Powell, who was confirmed unanimously as secretary of state in 2001, became known around the world, notably after the September 11 attacks when he would support military action in Iraq, pushing the notion that Saddam Hussein was holding and building weapons of mass destruction.
Despite the war in Iraq and the toppling of Hussein, no weapons were ever found.
After a long career with the Republican party, Powell became disenfranchised and in 2016 endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton, instead of Republican Donald Trump.
He also spoke in support of Joe Biden at the 2020 Democratic convention.
He left the Republican party for good after the January 6 attacks on the US Capitol.
Speaking on CBS Mornings as the news broke, Gayle King referred to Powell as a “groundbreaking figure in Washington”.
The retired four-star general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served four presidents made his reputation as a man of honour distant from the political fray – an asset in the corridors of power.
But he found it hard to live down the infamous February 2003 speech to the United Nations Security Council about the alleged existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq — the evidence he presented was later proven to be false.
“It’s a blot … and will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It’s painful now,” Powell said in a 2005 interview with ABC News.
Tributes nevertheless poured in from Congress, where Democratic Senator Mark Warner praised Powell as “a patriot and a public servant,” while House Republican Peter Meijer described him as a rarity in the modern age: “a true soldier statesman.”
Former president, Jimmy Carter, 97, also expressed his condolences for Powell, who served as an executive assistant in the Energy and Defence departments.
“A true patriot and public servant, we were honoured to work beside him to strengthen communities in the United States, help resolve conflict in Haiti, and observe elections in Jamaica,” Mr Carter said. “His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come.”
Former Vice-President Dick Cheney issued a statement referencing his work with Powell during the Gulf War, but did not mention the invasion of Iraq, which the two men also oversaw together.
“General Powell had a remarkably distinguished career, and I was fortunate to work with him,” Mr Cheney said. “He was a man who loved his country and served her long and well.”
“Colin was a trailblazer and role model for so many: the son of immigrants who rose to become National Security Adviser, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State,” Mr Cheney said. “His legacy and unparalleled record of service will never be forgotten.”
United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said he has a “hole in his heart” after the passing of his friend Powell.
“The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. Alma lost a great husband and the family lost a tremendous father. I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. I feel as if I have a hole in my heart,” he said.
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor and personal lawyer to Donald Trump, tweeted: “Colin Powell was a great American and a good friend.”
“I was one of a small, but determined group, that urged him to run for President in 1996,’ he added. ‘What if???”
Colin Powell was the epitome of a soldier-statesman. Agree with him or not, he was a patriot committed to public service and doing his very best to advance U.S. interests. He left an indelible mark on the U.S. Military and this nation. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/CozjCruKjj
— Alexander S. Vindman (@AVindman) October 18, 2021
Former Republican candidate for president, Mitt Romney, said Powell was “a man of undaunted courage and a champion of character.”
A statesmen & trailblazer, devoted to America and the cause of liberty, Colin Powell’s legacy of service & honour will long inspire,” he wrote. “Ann & I offer our love & sincere condolences to Alma and his family.”
— with AFP
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