John Lewis's body to lie in state at U.S. Capitol on Monday

An invite-only ceremony will take place early Monday afternoon, followed by a period where the public will be allowed to pay their respects

By Sophie Mann

Published: July 27, 2020 9:07am

Updated: July 27, 2020 2:35pm

The body of civil rights icon and late-Congressman John Lewis will arrive Monday on Capitol Hill.

Lewis, a Georgia Democrat, died July 17 from pancreatic caner. He was 80.

The Hill ceremonies will begin with an invitation-only event Monday afternoon inside the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a public, outdoor viewing.

Members of the public will be allowed to file past the Capitol's East Plaza to pay their respects during select times on Monday and Tuesday. Lewis' body will lie in state atop the East Front Steps of the Capitol. Pandemic guidelines, including the implementation of social-distancing and mask usage will be in full-effect.

The celebration of Lewis's life started this past weekend in Alabama, where his body traveled by horse-drawn caisson through downtown Selma to the Pettus bridge. Following the stop in D.C., Lewis's body will travel to Georgia's State Capitol.

Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, are expected to pay their respects. Vice President Mike Pence and wife Karen Pence are plan to attend.