Mourners streamed into San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday to pay their respects to the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, honoring her as fearless, smart, and the glue who kept the city together after two political assassinations that catapulted her into the mayor’s office and the national spotlight.

“She wasn’t afraid to do a man’s job. She wasn’t afraid to be a senator. She wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted,” said Lawanda Carter, 48, of San Francisco. “And that’s encouragement for us women now to have courage.”

Carter was among the scores of everyday San Franciscans and political leaders alike who brought flowers, bowed their heads, or clasped their hands in prayer as they stood before Feinstein’s casket, which was draped in an American flag and on display behind velvet ropes.

Many said they had never met Feinstein but wanted to honor an indefatigable public servant who fought to level the playing field for women, members of the LGBTQ community, and racial minorities.

Feinstein died early Friday in her Washington, D.C., home of natural causes, said Adam Russell, a spokesperson for her office. She was 90.

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The late Sen. Dianne Feinstein was known in Congress for always doing what she thought was right — whether that meant going against members of her own party or even telling off young children.

Feinstein (D-Calif.), who died Thursday at the age of 90, once came under fire for her response to a group of teenagers who were petitioning her to support the Green New Deal back in 2019.

In a viral video that re-circulated on social media after Feinstein’s death was announced, the then-octogenarian could be seen meeting with more than a dozen teenagers and pre-teens from the Sunrise Movement — a group that organizes young people to fight climate change — who wrote her a letter asking her to support the legislation.

When Feinstein tried to explain why she could not support the bill as it was written, a young pig-tailed girl started pleading, saying: “The government is supposed to be for the people, by the people, and all for the people.”

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A White House proclamation earlier today ordered flags across the U.S. at half-staff in honor of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

The death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday night has left California Gov. Gavin Newsom with the job of appointing a replacement to serve the remaining 15 months of her term — a choice he hoped never to have to make.

Newsom initially promised in 2021 to pick a black woman to replace Feinstein if she was unable to remain in the Senate through January 2025. That was in response to the outcry from some quarters after he appointed then-California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Sen. Kamala Harris after her election as vice president.

After Feinstein announced earlier this year that she would not run for another term, three prominent House Democratic lawmakers — Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee — rushed to take her place, setting up a bitter and expensive primary fight.

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Sen. Mitch McConnell also honored Feinstein not just as a colleague but a friend of 30 years.

“Elaine and I will also remember and cherish the friendship of 30 years we were fortunate to share with Dianne and Dick.”

He paid tribute to her many accomplishments, saying “Dianne was a trailblazer and her beloved home state of California and our entire nation are better for her dogged advocacy and diligent service.

“She was making history and making a difference long before she came to the senate.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.

In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish. It’s why I recruited her to serve on the Judiciary Committee when I was Chairman – I knew what she was made of, and I wanted her on our team. There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons. Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.

Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most.

As we mourn with her daughter Katherine and the Feinstein family, her team in the Senate, and the people of California, we take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard. May God Bless Dianne Feinstein.

An emotional Sen. Chuck Schumer honored Feinstein on the Senate floor Friday morning, noting “her perseverance, her strength and, most of all her, integrity shone through” everything she did.

He recalled working with her on the assault weapons ban:

“I was privileged to carry the bill in the House after she proposed it in the Senate. As we went through that bill, it became clear to me Dianne Feinstein is not like the others. She’s in a class of her own.”

She also championed the Violence Against Women Act, fighting for climate justice, marriage equality, reproductive justice and “The list goes on and on,” he said.

Schumer recalled when “a particularly nasty senator” tried to argue with her:

“Within three minutes she put this colleague in his place … and everyone in the room on both sides of the room were smiling.”