WASHINGTON –  DNC Interim Chair Donna Brazile issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Janet Reno’s passing. Ms. Reno was a trailblazer who served with distinction, dignity and a warm sense of humor as the first female to hold the office of U.S. Attorney General. In public life, she worked tirelessly with a profound sense of responsibility, and was universally respected for her intelligence, integrity, and dedication to the solemn duties of her office. The great challenges of that office demand a steely temperament and keen sense of judgment, and that’s exactly what she brought to the job. Whether leading the charge to secure prosecutions in the 1993 World Trade Center attack and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, or standing up for women’s rights and access to healthcare, Ms. Reno always sought, in her words, to be fair and do the right thing.

“Throughout her accomplished career of service to the American people, she was unbent by the political winds of Washington and never wavered from her pursuit of justice, fairness and equality. Her legacy will live on in our history books, and her example has paved the way for the countless women and girls striving to serve, to lead, and to achieve. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Reno, and all her friends and family as they mourn her passing and celebrate her beautiful life.”