John Lewis becomes first Black American to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda
27 July 2020
The body of civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis arrived at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday to lie in state, following a series of memorials this weekend that included a final trip across Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Ala.
The big picture: Lewis is the first Black lawmaker to receive the honor. Because the Capitol is closed to the public due to the coronavirus, Lewis will lie in state for just a few hours after an invitation-only ceremony is held for lawmakers. A public viewing will be held on the Capitol steps.
- Vice President Mike Pence and former Vice President Joe Biden are set to attend, but President Trump said Monday he will not be making an appearance.
- On his way to the Capitol, the hearse carrying Lewis' remains made stops at the Lincoln Memorial and the newly-renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza in front of the White House.
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Rep. John Lewis’ hearse pauses at Black Lives Matter Plaza. A powerful moment: pic.twitter.com/L1FxrYsIDo
— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) July 27, 2020
Rep. John Lewi's hearse drives through newly renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza. Photo: Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
D.C. police salute Rep. John Lewis's hearse as it drives by. Photo: Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
Security barriers are set up for public viewing later in the day for Rep. John Lewis at the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Two people hold a sign that reads "Rest in Power John Lewis" as Rep. John Lewis's hearse drives by the Lincoln Memorial. Photo: Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
U.S. Capitol Rotunda for casket arrival of President George H.W. Bush (12/3/18) and today for Rep. John Lewis (social distancing). pic.twitter.com/wpeBkZCv1L
— Jeremy Art (@cspanJeremy) July 27, 2020
The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state. Photo: Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who are slated to give remarks at the ceremony. Photo: Matt McClain/POOL/AFP via Getty Images