"Today, the United States mourns the loss of one of the greatest heroes in the history of the United States," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

"John Lewis was a titan in the civil rights movement and his credentials, faith and courage shaped our nation," she continues.

"We are devastated"

Lewis was one of the youngest members of the Freedom Riders activist group to combat segregation in US public transportation in the early 1960s, and eventually became one of the strongest voices in the United States for justice and equality.

"In Congress, John Lewis was both respected and appreciated by both sides of politics. "We were all proud to call Congressman Lewis our colleague and we are devastated by his passing," said Pelosi.

Rights fighter all his life

His commitment to civil rights lasted a lifetime and he made his last public appearance in June during the protests that erupted after George Floyd's death.

Supported by a cane, he then appeared side by side with Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser as the two walked to the square in front of the White House that had just been named Black Lives Matter Plaza.