Update, 2:40 p.m.— weather delays mean the line to the Capitol Visitor Center will open to the public at 6:30 p.m. at Second and East Capitol Streets.
At 7:30 p.m., U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public until midnight.
DC will host the state funeral of Former President James “Jimmy” Carter from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday. Thursday is a national day of mourning for Carter, who was 100 years old when he died Dec. 29.
A funeral procession will begin at the United States Naval Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue and travel to the US Capitol Tuesday, where Carter will lie in state in the Rotunda from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning.
The public can pay their respects to Carter starting Tuesday evening. Note that times have shifted due to the weather. The line to the Capitol Visitor Center will open to the public at Second Street and East Capitol Street at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. At around 7:30 pm., the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public until midnight.
At 7:00 a.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 8, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will reopen for public viewing and will remain open throughout the night until 7:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 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 attended by restricted personnel.
Carter’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral will be held Thursday but is closed to the public.
US Capitol Police say that 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. Please note that there are restrictions on what can be brought into the Capitol at this time, incuding on water and food.
NOTE: flowers, sealed envelopes, or other offerings will NOT be allowed into the U.S. Capitol or Capitol Visitor Center. Check the list via US here.
The Washington Navy Yard will also conduct a ceremonial gun salute along the waterfront (River Walk) in honor of former President Carter on Jan. 9, 2025, beginning at 12 p.m. The rounds are expected to be audible all over the region. The salute will take place over twenty minutes, shot at one-minute intervals until 21 rounds have been fired.
