Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, a first-generation Japanese American who helped establish the Transportation Security Administration, died Tuesday at the age of 90, according to his family. Let’s see how did Norman Mineta die.
Who was Norman Mineta?
Mineta was a high-profile Asian American political leader in the United States, serving as a mayor, a 10-term congressman, and a Cabinet secretary in two administrations.
Mineta led the country through the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, which sparked new discussions about safety and transformed the country’s airport system.
Mineta, who was imprisoned in an internment camp during WWII, began his career as mayor of his hometown of San Jose, California.
From 1975 to 1995, he served in the House of Representatives, where he led efforts to obtain a formal apology and compensation for Japanese Americans who were forcefully removed from their homes during World War II due to unfounded suspicions of their loyalty.
He was President Clinton’s commerce secretary for a short time before President Bush appointed him to head the Department of Transportation. He was the first Asian-American to hold the position, as well as the only Democrat in Bush’s Cabinet.
After the 9/11 attacks, Mineta’s role became even more important. He oversaw the department’s efforts to improve security across the country and spearheaded the effort to establish a new agency, the TSA, which Congress established in November 2001.
Norman Mineta’s cause of death
Norman Mineta, who oversaw the Department of Transportation during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, died on Tuesday afternoon. He was 90 years old.
“My dad died peacefully Tuesday afternoon at his home, surrounded by family”. According to a statement provided by his son, David Mineta’s former chief of staff, John Flaherty.
How did Norman Mineta die, His former chief of staff, John Flaherty, stated that the cause was a heart condition. “He was a wonderful public servant and a dear friend,” he added.
There is no more information revealed about how did Norman Mineta die. Mr. Mineta is survived by his wife, Deni, as well as his sons and stepsons, as well as 11 grandchildren.
Bush described Mineta’s legacy
On Tuesday,” a wonderful American story about someone who overcame adversity and prejudice.”
“As my Secretary of Transportation, he demonstrated outstanding leadership in assisting in the prevention of further attacks on and after 9/11,” Bush wrote. “As I said when I presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Norm has given his country a lifetime of service, and he has set an example of leadership, devotion to duty, and personal character for his fellow citizens.”
Mineta broke racial barriers for Asian Americans
Mineta, the mayor of San Jose, California, broke down racial barriers for Asian Americans. He was also the first Asian American to serve as a Cabinet secretary under both Democratic President Bill Clinton and Republican President George W. Bush.
Bush then presented Mineta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In a statement, the former president called Mineta “a wonderful American story about someone who overcame adversity and prejudice to serve in the United States Army, Congress, and the Cabinets of two Presidents.”
“As my Secretary of Transportation, he demonstrated outstanding leadership in assisting in the prevention of further attacks on and after 9/11. As I stated when presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Standard has given his country a lifetime of service, and he has set an example of leadership, devotion to duty, and personal character for his fellow citizens “he added the former president
Tributes to Norman Mineta death
Bush stated,
“Laura and I are saddened by the loss of our friend, Norm Mineta,”. “Norm’s is a wonderful American story about someone who overcame adversity and prejudice to serve in the United States Army, Congress, and two Presidents’ Cabinets.”
“As I said when I presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Standard has given his country a lifetime of service, and he has set an example of leadership, devotion to duty, and personal character for his fellow citizens.”
White House senior adviser Neera Tanden tweeted,
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Norm Mineta’s passing,”. “Thankful for the journey he widened on which so many others walked.”
Secretary Pete Buttigieg Tweeted,
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of former @USDOT
Secretary Norman Mineta – a strong bipartisan voice for American infrastructure, Asian American trailblazer, and exemplary leader in both local and federal office.
Ash Kalra tweeted,
A legend, a mentor, a public servant, a friend. San Jose’s favorite son has left us and I’m crushed. Norman Mineta, transportation secretary who helped create TSA, dies at 90 – The Washington Post
Lonnie G. Bunch III tweeted,
Norman Mineta was a 10-year-old in California when his family was forced into a Wyoming incarceration camp. Later as a Congressman, Mineta was integral in securing an official apology for the incarceration of Japanese Americans in the years following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
People react to Norman Mineta’s death
John C. Yang tweeted,
A loss of a giant. He remembered everyone’s name and cared about you as a person. A true trailblazer for the Asian Pacific American community. He needs to be in more history books.
Shirley Higuchi, JD tweeted,
My heart is broken- heard that Secretary Norman Mineta just passed away. Norm was just a child when he was incarcerated along with over 10,000 individuals at Heart Mountain. He was our guiding light who served as a cabinet member for two administrations
Hana C. Maruyama tweeted,
I’ll never forget how kind Norman Mineta was to me as a fresh out of college entry-level assistant @heartmountainwy. He will be greatly missed.
Kevin Liao tweeted,
Norm Mineta proved Asian Americans could lead in public life — as mayor of San Jose, congressman, and transportation secretary during a time of crisis in our country. He will be dearly missed.
Nate Jones tweeted,
Deeply saddened to hear we’ve lost former U.S. Commerce and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. Enjoyed chatting with him at the @Reagan_Library in 2019. He was one of a few living Americans with an airport named after him (San Jose).
I hope we have resolved all doubts about How did Norman Mineta die!
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