Judge Rosemarie Aquilina becomes social-media star after sentencing Larry Nassar
There is little doubt that Larry Nassar was expecting a harsh sentence after he admitted molesting female gymnasts for years.
But Nassar may not have been ready for the blistering remarks from Judge Rosemarie Aquilina on Wednesday in Lansing, Mich.
Nassar, a Michigan State University and Team USA Gymnastics doctor who sexually assaulted 150 victims, was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison.
“I just signed your death warrant,” Aquilina said.
“As much as it was my honor and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it is my honor and privilege to sentence you,” she added. “Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.”
People on Twitter were thrilled with Aquilina:
LOVED the judge who sentenced Larry Nassar today. She gave a voice to all the girls who chose to come forward with their stories. She laid out the facts and reminded everyone that there’s still good in the justice system. 175 years for Nassar
— P S (@floofypanduh_) January 24, 2018
The judge that just sentenced Larry Nassar is a LEGEND after what she has said.
— Kelsey Chambers (@kelscolleen3) January 24, 2018
In tears over Larry Nassar's 175 year sentencing. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, you are a hero. Thank you.
— Marisa ♡ (@marisaaquinoxo) January 24, 2018
Why yes I will make a great Judge Rosemarie Aquilina for Halloweens 2018-3018
— Megan Adams (@mnmnadams) January 24, 2018
Judge Aquilina is incredible. She delivered justice in a powerful, empathetic and humble way, and shows what the judicial system is all about. I hope the survivors of #Nassar’s abuse find comfort in today’s sentencing and in the judge’s words.
— Like, Totally Stable Genius (@dvorakoelling) January 24, 2018
I salute Judge Aquilina for standing up for the victims&telling him just how disgusting & sick that SOB is.
— Mike (@HesaBiglyLiar) January 24, 2018
I'm literally loving every moment of Judge Aquilina addressing loser Larry Nassar.
— MissLeCoKu$h (@lecofresh) January 24, 2018
Judge Aquilina. What a magnificent woman she is.
— Kate S (@katesaunders13) January 24, 2018
The judge in the Larry Nassar sentencing is a literal QUEEN
— Mairead Bagley (@parade_with_anM) January 24, 2018
Our world needs more women like Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in positions of power.
— Nicole Schuessler (@nE_coli) January 24, 2018
“Leave your pain here and go out and do your magnificent things.”
Spent the last 3 hours watching Larry Nassar’s sentencing. WOW!!! That judge needs to be known for the job well done she just did! Thank you, judge!
— Kelly Good (@kellyjgood) January 24, 2018
That judge was amazing in the Nassar case.
— Sydney (@mylittlesydney) January 24, 2018
I may have fist pumped when Judge Aquilina said it was her privilege to sentence Nassar.
— Corinne Mahaney (@cmcsed9) January 24, 2018
All of the women from the Nassar case including Judge Aquilina are heroes!
— Brandon michael (@LezBMike) January 24, 2018
Larry Nassar sentenced to 175 years in prison on multiple counts.
— Rob Frankowski (@frankie_patt) January 24, 2018
“I just signed your death warrant.”
“You do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.”
Judge said it was an “honor” and a “privilege” to sentence Nassar. - Judge Aquilina #NassarSentencing
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina is an icon
— Karina (@KarinaLenko2) January 24, 2018
Thank you to the judge who sentenced the monster that is Larry Nassar and made sure that he will never see the light of day. And thanks to the brave victims who came forward and faced that man down. Justice was served.
— Robin Byrd (@RobinByrd3) January 24, 2018
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina hero of the day in the Larry Nassar trail.
— KNDesign (@KNDmex) January 24, 2018
Thank you Judge. https://t.co/Oh8KkN8mZK
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
This story was originally published January 24, 2018 at 12:17 PM.