As Allahpundit noted earlier, there were reports earlier that Trump’s pick to replace Justice Scalia on the Supreme Court would be Judge Neil Gorsuch. At 8pm eastern, President Trump came out and announced he was in fact picking Judge Gorsuch as his nominee. As Gorsuch and his wife came to the front of the room, Trump asked, “So was that a surprise?”

Trump made an introduction of Gorsuch saying he had an “extraordinary resume, as good as it gets.” Trump closed his speech saying, “I only hope that both Democrats and Republicans can come together, for once, for the good of the country.” He then turned the podium over to Judge Gorsuch.

“Standing here, in a house of history and acutely aware of my own imperfections, I pledge that if confirmed I will do all my powers permit to be a faithful servant of the constitution and laws of this great country,” Gorsuch said. Gorsuch gave a brief overview of his career and alluded to his own judicial philosophy saying, “It is the role of judges to apply, not alter the work of the people’s representatives.” He added, “A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.” He closed with thanks to his family and his faith.

Here’s video of Trump’s announcement followed by Judge Gorsuch’s speech:

And finally, a photo of Judge Gorsuch with the late Justice Scalia.

Justice Scalia and Judge Gorsuch

photo obtained by @Arianedevogue pic.twitter.com/Tw1ydGczhq

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 31, 2017