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Capitol Police say it was a 'miscommunication' for shutting children's choir down

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called the incident unacceptable.

Published: June 3, 2023 1:01pm

The U.S. Capitol Police said that the children's choir singing the national anthem in the Capitol was shut down due to "miscommunication."

The Rushingbrook Children’s Choir sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" in the Capitol on May 26 and were stopped by the Capitol police. Video footage of the incident surfaced earlier this week. 

The conductor of the group, David Rasbach, told the Daily Signal that a Capitol Hill police officer cut off the singers before they could finish.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted about the incident, calling it unacceptable. 

"Just learned kids were interrupted while singing our National Anthem at the Capitol. Unacceptable," McCarthy wrote. "These children were welcomed by my office because your Capitol is back open, particularly for school groups. @RepTimmons@RepJoeWilson, & @RepRussellFry, and I look forward to having them back to perform in the halls of Congress."

Capitol Police told the New York Post that they usually don't allow singing in the Capitol, but did not know McCarthy approved the performance. 

“Although popup demonstrations and musical performances are not allowed in the U.S. Capitol without the proper approval, due to a miscommunication, the U.S Capitol Police were not aware that the Speaker’s Office had approved this performance,” the police told the outlet.

“We apologize to the choir for this miscommunication that impacted their beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and their visit to Capitol Hill," the statement continued. 

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