Civil rights leader Congressman Lewis to lie in state in Capitol Rotunda

The body of the late Rep. John Lewis will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, in a ceremony for the Georgia Democrat and civil rights leader set for Monday afternoon.

The announcement about the official ceremony was announced Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The event will start with an invitation-only arrival ceremony, followed by the public being allowed to pay its respects Monday and Tuesday.

Lewis will lie in state at the top of the Capitol’s East Front Steps during the public viewing, according to The Hill newspaper. 

The congressman died Friday from complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 80.

Lewis’s family has asked those wishing to pay their respects not to travel across the country, citing the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Those who attend the ceremony must wear a mask, following the District of Columbia this week requiring they be worn in public, with few exceptions.