Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mourned At Hamptons Candlelight Vigil

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — The community came together Saturday night to mourn Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg, who used her position to fight gender discrimination and unify the court's liberal wing, died of complications of metastatic pancreas cancer Friday at her home in Washington, D.C. She was 87.

And on the East End, a gathering was planned to remember her legacy: A "Candlelight Vigil for RBG - Come to Mourn Together, Leave With Hope," organized by Lisa Votino, took place at the Bridgehampton Community House, located at 2368 Montauk Highway .

"Once we were able to wipe away the tears tonight, the panic set in," Votino wrote. "What would RBG do? She would fight for what's right and so are we. Let's join together for a candlelight vigil to mourn her passing and then let's mobilize and find out what actions we can take immediately to save our democracy."

Those attending were asked to bring candles, flashlights, and battery-powered candles.

"Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement announcing her death. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her, a tireless and resolute champion of justice."

Words of tribute are pouring forth: "New York's heart breaks with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "She was a daughter of Brooklyn and the embodiment of all that it means to be New York tough — yet her life was a testament that tough does not preclude acting with respect, grace, and dignity. I know I speak for the entire family of New York when I say we are absolutely devastated by this loss."

He added: "As an advocate, litigator, professor, and judge, Justice Ginsburg was an unparalleled voice for our better angels and a singular force for equality and justice throughout her extraordinary career. In an era when women like her were asked why they were 'taking the place of a man,' she fought tirelessly to ensure our country lived up to its founding ideals, especially for all those marginalized by the status quo — from women and communities of color, to the disabled and the LGBTQ community. While there is still so much progress left to be made on the march towards gender equality and women's rights, Justice Ginsberg's legacy will continue to be a beacon for all of us in the fight."

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Joe Biden said the confirmation to fill her seat should wait until after the election.

Biden, who presided over Ginsburg's confirmation hearing as a senator, called her a "beloved figure" who was "fierce and unflinching" in her pursuit of civil and legal rights and was "a voice for freedom and opportunity for everyone."

President Donald Trump reacted to Ginsburg's death after leaving the stage at a campaign rally in Minneosta.

"She led an amazing life," Trump said. "What else can you say? She was an amazing woman, whether you agree or not. She was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I'm actually sad to hear that."