President Jimmy Carter to Lie in State in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda

UPDATE: The service at the U.S. Capitol, and the public viewing time, have been shifted due to the weather. 

The private ceremony now starts at 4:30 p.m. and the public viewing starts at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7. 

The late President Jimmy Carter will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, through 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January, 9. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects during public viewing hours.

TUESDAY

At 4:30 p.m., on Tuesday, January 7, there will be a private arrival ceremony with President Carter’s family, Members of Congress, and other dignitaries.

At 6:30 p.m., the line to the Capitol Visitor Center will open to the public at Second Street and East Capitol Street. 

At 7:30 p.m., the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public until midnight. 

Visitors who wish to pay their respects to the late President should be prepared for cold weather conditions because the visitor line will extend outside the Capitol Visitor Center. You can check the latest weather information HERE.

NOTE:

• Flowers, sealed envelopes, or other offerings will NOT be allowed into the U.S. Capitol or Capitol Visitor Center
• Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off while in the U.S. Capitol
• Photography and electronic recording will not be allowed while visitors are in the Rotunda
• Please carefully review the prohibited items list below
• There is no public parking on Capitol Grounds, so the use of public transportation is encouraged. Please visit https://www.wmata.com to plan your trip to the U.S. Capitol. The closest metro stops are Capitol South, Federal Center SW, and Union Station.

WEDNESDAY

At 7:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 8, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open for public viewing and will remain open throughout the night. 

THURSDAY

At 7:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 9, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will close to the public for public viewing. At 9:00 a.m., there will be a departure ceremony on the East Plaza, which will be restricted to authorized personnel and closed to the public.

FRIDAY

At 8:30 a.m., on Friday, January 10, the Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center will reopen to the public.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Please bring as few items as possible to expedite security screening and keep the visitor line moving.

In addition to any other items at the discretion of security screeners, the following items are prohibited:

• Bags exceeding the size of 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep.
• 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 including razors and box cutters, martial arts weapons or devices. Staff may possess knives with blades 3" or less.
• Pointed objects to include but not limited to knitting needles, letter openers, and other pointed objects deemed a possible threat. Pens and pencils are permitted. This restriction does not apply to staff.
• Explosives and explosive devices to include, but not limited to, Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks.
• Mace and pepper spray.
• Liquid of any kind, including water and other beverages. This restriction does not apply to staff.
• Food of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food. This restriction does not apply to staff.
• Aerosol containers.
• Non-Aerosol spray except for prescribed medical needs.
• Sealed envelopes and packages. This restriction does not apply to staff.

TOUR BUSES

Tour buses will continue to be rerouted to Union Station through 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. 

CLICK HERE for more information about this month’s National Special Security Events in Washington, D.C.