President Jimmy Carter will lie in state at the United States Capitol today: Live updates.
The remains of President Jimmy Carter are set to arrive in Washington, D.C., today, where members of Congress will have the opportunity to pay their respects during a service in the Capitol Rotunda. Following this, Carter will lie in state tonight and throughout Wednesday.
The schedule for these events has been adjusted due to a winter storm that impacted the area on Monday. Federal offices were closed on both Monday and Tuesday as a result of the inclement weather; however, the arrangements for honoring Carter are still expected to proceed as planned. Carter's funeral is planned for Thursday at Washington National Cathedral, with President Joe Biden designating Thursday as a National Day of Mourning.
After the funeral service, Carter and his family will return to Georgia for a private service and interment at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, his hometown. The soft-spoken Southern Democrat passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. As the 39th president, Jimmy Carter was recognized for his humanitarian efforts. The Caisson Detachment is resuming operations after a pause. For the soldiers and horses tasked with transporting Carter's casket to the Capitol, Tuesday represents a critical and high-profile mission. The Army had suspended the Caisson Detachment's activities in May 2023 following the deaths of two horses used in funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
In response, the Army sought expert guidance on selecting suitable horses for caisson duties and developing training programs for the soldiers responsible for their care and handling. The soldiers and horses have been engaged in extensive rehearsals for months, complete with bands and cannon fire, to ensure they are prepared for the ceremonial aspects of a presidential funeral, as noted by Maj. Wes Strickland, a spokesperson for the Old Guard. “We are under close scrutiny,” stated Lt. Col. Derrick Draper, deputy commander of the regiment. “People will be attentive to even the smallest imperfections. And rightly so. We hold ourselves to the highest standards.”
Jimmy Carter, born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, former U.S. president, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter served in the Navy before returning to Georgia to manage the family peanut farm. His political career began when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1962. He later served as governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975, where he implemented progressive policies and worked to reform the state’s education and mental health systems.
In 1976, Carter ran for president as the Democratic candidate, campaigning as an outsider and a man of integrity during a time of disillusionment with Washington politics. He won the presidency, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford, and served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981. His administration focused on human rights, environmental conservation, and peace efforts. He brokered the Camp David Accords in 1978, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. However, his presidency was also marked by challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and high inflation, which led to his loss in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.
After leaving the White House, Carter continued his work in humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center, focusing on global health, disease eradication, and promoting democracy. He is widely recognized for his work in conflict resolution and his dedication to human rights. Carter’s post-presidential years have been marked by his commitment to peace and service, earning him the title of one of the most admired former presidents in U.S. history. In 2021, he became the longest-living U.S. president, surpassing George H.W. Bush's record.
