WASHINGTON - On Friday, August 31, the late Senator John McCain will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
At 11 a.m., a formal ceremony will take place with Senate and House Leaders. From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. the public is invited to pay their respects.
The U.S. Capitol Police are encouraging the public to take public transportation and said people may begin lining up on Friday on First Street, NW/SW, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, or Second Street, NE/SE, between East Capitol Street and Independence Avenue, SE, until the U.S. Capitol is opened to the public at 1 p.m.
All cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off while in the U.S. Capitol. Photography and electronic recording will not be allowed, police said.
Speakers
- Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate
- Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, S.J., Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Mitch McConnell, United States Senate Majority Leader
- Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States
- Paul Ryan, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
- Chuck Schumer, United States Senate Minority Leader
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- All firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices
- Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition
- Weapons (to include but not limited to): Black jack, sling shot, sand club, sandbag, knuckles, electric stun guns, knives (of any size), martial arts weapons or devices
- Pointed objects to include but not limited to razors, box cutters, knives, knitting needles, letter openers. Pens and pencils are permitted.
- Explosives and explosive devices to include Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks
- Bags exceeding the size of 18” wide x 14” high x 8.5” deep
- Mace and pepper spray
- Liquid, including water; open and empty clear or translucent bottles and beverage containers are allowed.
- Aerosol containers
- Non-Aerosol spray except for prescribed medical needs
- Sealed envelopes and packages
STREET CLOSURES
Street closures will begin on Thursday, August 30 at 11 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 1.
- East Capitol Street NE/SE, from Second Street, NE/SE, to First Street, NE/SE
- First Street, NE/SE, from Constitution Ave., NE, to Independence Ave., SE
This is one event in a series of services and ceremonies honoring the life of Senator McCain. Over the course of five days, McCain’s body will travel from the Arizona Capitol to Washington, D.C., to Annapolis, Maryland, where he will be buried at the U.S. Naval Academy.
McCain will become just the 31st person to have received the honor of lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda since Henry Clay became the first in 1852.
