“I’m terribly saddened by the news of the tragic death of Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam. As the first African-American and Muslim woman to sit on New York State Court of Appeals, Judge Abdus-Salaam truly embraced public service by serving our State's communities with class, dignity and professionalism.  A trailblazer in her own right, Judge Abdus-Salaam's achievements will undoubtedly set a prime example to the thousands of the men and women in New York State seeking to pursue a career in public service. I want to extend my deepest condolences to her loved ones as they cope with such a painful loss."