Biden, Obama, Carter, Bush Mourn Loss of Colin Powell

U.S. President Joe Biden mourned the loss of Former Secretary of State Colin Powell who died on Monday due to Covid complications.

Biden described Powell as a "dear friend" and a dedicated public servant who broke barriers as the first Black US secretary of state.

"Jill and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity, General Colin Powell," Biden said in a statement. "Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all."

Biden asserted that Powell put the country before himself and anything else which earned him the universal respect of the American people.

Other than Biden, Jimmy Carter, the oldest living former US President, released a statement praising Powell's service and hard work to help resolve international conflicts, including in Haiti.

Carter called the latter a true patriot and public servant whose courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come.

Furthermore, former President George W Bush said: "Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell."

"He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell's counsel and experience," Bush said.

The 43rd president added that Powell was a family man and a friend. "Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man."

Former President Barack Obama also paid a heartfelt tribute to Powell, affirming that he understood what was best in this country, and tried to bring his own life, career, and public statements in line with that idea.

"Michelle and I will always look to him as an example of what America—and Americans—can and should be," Obama wrote in a post on Twitter, attached to a written statement mourning the general's death.

The Powell family confirmed the former US secretary of state died at Walter Reed National Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment.