Cruz opts to attend Scalia funeral

by Jesse Byrnes - 02/19/16 9:48 AM ET

Ted Cruz is slated to take a break from the campaign trail in South Carolina on Saturday to attend the funeral of Justice Antonin Scalia in Washington, D.C., according to reports.

A spokesperson for Cruz’s campaign had said on Thursday that while Cruz wanted to attend the funeral, it would be “impossible” for him to steal away from South Carolina on the day of the primary.

{mosads}Late Thursday, Cruz’s campaign said the presidential candidate would be attending the funeral in Washington, according to CNN and CBS News.

Before the reversal, Cruz had blasted President Obama for being “unwilling” to attend the funeral of the conservative icon who died unexpectedly last weekend at a ranch in Texas at the age of 79.

The White House had announced the president and first lady would be paying their respects to Scalia when he lies in repose at the Supreme Court on Friday.

Scalia’s funeral service will be Saturday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and will be attended by Vice President Biden.

Tags 2016 GOP primary 2016 South Carolina primary Antonin Scalia Joe Biden South Carolina Ted Cruz