Just around 2 p.m., the body of John Lewis was placed in the U.S. Capitol rotunda as one of the last public homages to the civil rights pioneer and fierce congressman.
Ceremonies and events have taken place in Atlanta, Selma, Alabama, and now the place where the venerable lawmaker spoke on policies that made an impact in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Lewis, who died at 80 on July 17, is the first Black person to lie in state in the Capitol’s rotunda. Rep. Elijah Cummings became the first Black lawmaker to lie in state at the Capitol after his death last year.
Several online onlookers have been tuned in leading into the ceremony honoring Lewis at the U.S. Capitol Monday afternoon. In an unusual occurrence, a serviceman slated to help carry the congressman’s casket into the rotunda Monday passed out after reportedly overheating. He was able to walk away with assistance to get care.
I am heartbroken for the serviceman who fainted and missed his chance to carry the coffin of John Lewis. I was literally just starting to worry about them standing in the heat and that happened. #JohnLewis
— HTB (@HTB_gooner) July 27, 2020
While most spectators were focused on each careful step in carrying Lewis’ body into the Capitol, others focused on the officials who were not present. President Donald Trump was not in attendance during the D.C. event honoring Lewis – nor was the president present during the previous events.
The president and the late congressman have long had a contentious relationship. In years past, Trump made disparaging comments about Lewis’ Atlanta district. When the president was elected, Lewis, a staunch supporter of opponent former Sen. Hillary Clinton, said it would be difficult to work with Trump as president.
“I don’t see this president-elect as a legitimate president,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” in January 2017, suggesting Russia and others conspired to get Trump elected.
“I believe in forgiveness. I believe in trying to work with people,” Lewis said. But working with Trump, he added, is “going to be very difficult.”
The challenging relationship might explain why Trump did not attend the services.
Well of course @realDonaldTrump won't pay his respect. I mean afterall John Lewis was black! #JohnLewis #RIPJohnLewis
— Mike (@Original_Geezer) July 27, 2020
Mind boggling that a President can play golf yet not be present in any way for John Lewis..i guess that would be rather hypocritical of him.. #JohnLewis #GoodTrouble #civilrightsicon #
— Be Kind it's not that hard (@cswildfeuer) July 27, 2020
Trump in recent days confirmed he didn’t plan to attend.
Asked if he planned to pay his respects to late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis at the U.S. Capitol
— StanceGrounded (@_SJPeace_) July 27, 2020
Trump: “No, I won’t be going."
Nazis aren't welcome anyway.pic.twitter.com/aRBLpaokWU
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was the first person to speak during Monday’s event, which she said sought to “acknowledge his sacred life.”
I’m bawling already. #JohnLewis
— Blue Sonya (@SimplySonya74) July 27, 2020
You will not be forgotten. We will continue your work!! #JohnLewisGoodTrouble
Watching the live coverage of #JohnLewis' casket being taken into the U.S. Capitol rotunda. So moving. 🇺🇸☮️
— Rob; #JustPressPlay▶️ (@MusicManiacRob) July 27, 2020
I’m still very numb about the death of #JohnLewis I actually met him a few times. The world should take a step back to say thank you, starting with self. Thank you Dear Brother Lewis. Thank you for your power and certitude, grace and courage. #walkingwiththewind
— Desmond Williams (@Nylinka) July 27, 2020
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also spoke at the event. He reminisced about Lewis’ upbringing in rural Pike County, Alabama. Lewis’ family was raised in a humble home with no running water or electricity.
“It would’ve been hard to conceive back then that the young child tending to his family’s chickens would be leading the movement to redeem America’s society,” McConnell said.
Despite the kind words spoken from McConnell about Lewis, some criticized his appearance and statements.
Hey #mitchmcconnell, if you want the sort of peace that #JohnLewis fought for to endure, you have over 400 bills sitting on your desk, many of which address issues he was fighting for
— Less than 2 months left. Do your part. VOTE. (@TweetyThings1) July 27, 2020
The best way to honor his memory is to bring them to a VOTE in #Senate
At this moment, I have muted the Disgraceful @senatemajldr best known as #MoscowMitchMcConnell.
— Cejae Mood (@Cejae17) July 27, 2020
He acts against everything #JohnLewis stood for.#MotivationMonday
Some gave praise to invocation orator Grainger Browning Jr., the pastor of Ebenezer AME Church near Washington.
Now..... my Pastor Rev. Dr Grainger Browning Jr GAVE that invocation. Ebenezer AME Church Ft Washington Maryland. Very proud but not surprised he is a great orator and rises to the occasion every time! #johnlewis… https://t.co/DbOJRinAyS
— Sharon Allison Ottey, MD (@DoctorSharonAO) July 27, 2020
Pelosi spoke about her former colleague a second time during the event before she played audio of Lewis speaking about the significance of being willing to be entangled in “good trouble.” Several spectators sitting in the Capitol’s Rotunda listened with somber looks and some with tears welling in their eyes.
The voice of Rep. John Lewis in the United States Capitol. pic.twitter.com/beNRdRz1ef
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) July 27, 2020
Emotions continued to stir as Florida pastor and Christian vocalist Wintley Phipps hummed and sang the lyrics to the legendary hymn “Amazing Grace.”
Rev. @WintleyPhipps sings “Amazing Grace” at the U.S. Capitol Service for Rep. John Lewis.
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) July 27, 2020
pic.twitter.com/r0H0JhNq91
This nation is badly in need of a moment of transcendent grace and we have all just received it in the form of Amazing Grace. Today, let us rejoice for the life of the American Patriot, Hero and Statesma, John Lewis. He is in heaven now. We must all cause “Good Trouble” for him
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) July 27, 2020
Some famous names, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), spoke about the plans that are in play to honor Lewis, including Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-South Carolina) reportedly planning to introduce a voting bill bearing Lewis’ name.
Yes. We owe it to John Lewis to carry on his lifelong fight to combat discrimination and make sure voters of color can freely exercise their right to vote. https://t.co/YevZKJsRPj
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) July 27, 2020