“Longtime New York Rep. Eliot Engel died Friday from complications of Parkinson’s disease, his family confirmed.”

“The longstanding Democratic public servant passed away 'in the borough that raised him,' in the Bronx on Friday”

“Engel lost support from Democrats after he muttered into a microphone during a press conference in wake of George Floyd’s murder that he didn’t care about the looting affecting his constituents.”

“A staunch supporter of Israel, the devout Democrat also served as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2019 to 2021.”

“Engel — who was criticized for fleeing his COVID-stricken New York district in 2020 in favor of Maryland — 'fought tirelessly for his constituents at home and for peace and security around the world,' the statement said.”

“The veteran New York rep was perhaps most known for being an 'aisle hog,' where he would stake out the best seats in the House of Representatives, up to 12 hours in advance, to ensure he got his signature presidential photo-bomb during the State of the Union speeches and Congress addresses, ABC News reported.”

“Engel accidentally found himself an 'aisle hog' in 1989 as a freshman member when he was trying to connect with a more powerful lawmaker and found himself in an aisle seat before the speech — then, some two decades later, the former Congressman would wait 10 to 12 hours in advance to ensure he was in his prized spot.”