WASHINGTON, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. politicians
paid their tribute to Michael Jackson on Friday following the sudden death of
the pop king.
A shrine for Michael Jackson is set up in front of the U.S. embassy in Bucharest June 26, 2009. Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop who set the world dancing but whose musical genius was overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals, died on Thursday. He was 50.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters
that President Barack Obama considered the pop star "a spectacular performer and
music icon."
I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching the moon walk on television ..." said Gibbs.
Candles and flowers are seen on a photograph of pop star Michael Jackson in Beverly Hills, California June 26, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
However, the president also said that aspects of
Jackson's life were "sad and tragic," and he would like to send his condolences
to Jackson's family and fans.
The 50-year-old singer was pronounced dead on
Thursday afternoon at the Medical Center of the University of California in Los
Angeles (UCLA), after he was in a full cardiac arrest.
U.S. lawmakers also took a brief break on Friday to
pay tribute to Jackson, praising the deceased "King of Pop" as a singing and
dancing inspiration.
"We rise to pay tribute to a star that went high into
the sky," said Democratic Representative Diane Watson of California.
"A young man has left Earth, but now resides in the stars. And this was a talented, multitalented person who entertained the world with his dynamic portrayals, his songs that he had written, his style of dancing," she said.
A woman places flowers at a makeshift memorial across the street from the County of Los Angeles Department of Coroner facility in Los Angeles June 26, 2009, where Michael Jackson's body was carried to on Thursday by helicopter.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
On behalf of Congress, Watson sent "our condolences,
our heartfelt sorrow to his family, his friends, and to his millions of fans
throughout the world."
Democratic Representative Barbara Lee, the chairwoman
of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement that Jackson "was an icon
who inspired generations around the world through song and dance."
"His contributions to American music are innumerable
and the genius of his talent will endure for years to come. Our thoughts and
prayers are with Michael's family as we mourn and remember this incredible human
being who touched the lives of millions," she said.
SAN FRANCISCO, June
26 (Xinhua) -- Computer security firms are warning users to be vigilant about
spam messages capitalizing the sudden death of U.S. pop star Michael Jackson.
The 50-year-old "King of Pop" was pronounced dead on
Thursday afternoon at the Medical Center of the University of California in Los
Angeles, after he was in a full cardiac arrest. Full story
LOS ANGELES,
June 26 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles coroners began an autopsy on Friday to determine
the cause of U.S. pop star Michael Jackson's death as rumors spread that he
might die from a drug overdose as well as heart attack.
Jackson, who was 50, was pronounced dead Thursday
afternoon at the Medical Center of the University of California in Los Angeles
(UCLA). He was in full cardiac arrest when paramedics rushed him to the
hospital. Full story
