Former President Jimmy Carter is being honored in D.C. this week, and members of the public may pay their respects.
Three days of state funeral rites in D.C. began Tuesday. Carter’s remains, which had lain in repose at the Carter Presidential Center since Saturday, left the Atlanta campus, accompanied by his children and extended family. Special Air Mission 39 arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, then went into Washington and the Capitol with a motorcade.
Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune spoke of Carter's legacy in a sunset service.
Carter, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100, lay in state Tuesday night and will again Wednesday. He then receives a state funeral service Thursday at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. >Sign up here.
When will late President Jimmy Carter lie in state?
Carter is set to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda through 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9.
The line to the Capitol Visitor Center opened to the public at East Capitol and 2nd streets Tuesday evening.
The rotunda is scheduled to be open for public viewing on Wednesday starting at 7 a.m. and throughout the night. The rotunda will close to the public at 7 a.m. Thursday.
U.S. Capitol Police advised visitors to be prepared for cold weather conditions because the visitor line will extend outside.
Special groups representing Carter's biggest achievements will visit every hour, according to the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. They include representatives of the U.S. Navy and the former president's partners on issues including human rights and the environment.
Here’s what’s allowed and prohibited as you visit
- Flowers, sealed envelopes and “other offerings” will not be allowed into the Capitol or the Capitol Visitor Center, Capitol Police said.
- Cellphones and electronic devices must be turned off while in the Capitol.
- Photography and recording will not be allowed while visitors are in the rotunda.
- Prohibited items include: bags over 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep; liquid and food of any kind, including unopened packaged food; guns; replica guns; ammunition; knives of any size; and pointed objects including knitting needles. Go here for a full list.
There’s no public parking on Capitol grounds, so police advise the use of public transportation.
The Carter Center said more than 23,000 people visited to pay their respects between Saturday night and Tuesday morning.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
