Jimmy Carter public viewing: What to know before you go

WASHINGTON - Services in D.C. honoring the life of former President Jimmy Carter are underway.

President Carter’s remains, which have been in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Georgia since Saturday, arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday just after 2 p.m. Special Air Mission 39 departed from Dobbins Air Reserve Base and landed at Joint Base Andrews, where a ceremony was held for the 39th president who died on Dec. 29.

He was 100.

The ceremony was followed by a motorcade, where members of Congress honored President Carter during an afternoon service.

FOX 5 spoke with Major General Daniel DeVoe with the Air Force District of Washington. From a ceremonial standpoint, Major General DeVoe said it took nearly 3,000 people to organize an event like this. It includes several forces from multiple services, he said. DeVoe added, many more servicemembers behind the scenes were also involved in support roles.

"Those soldiers, sailors, marines, guardians, coastguardsmen, they represent the best our nation has to offer and those servicemembers know and believe and understand it’s not only an obligation to come out here and conduct these honors, but a true privilege," he said.

Jimmy Carter public viewing hours

The late President Jimmy Carter will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, through 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January, 9. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects during public viewing hours.

TUESDAY

At 7:30 p.m., the line to the Capitol Visitor Center will open to the public at Second Street and East Capitol Street. 

At 8:30 p.m., the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public until midnight. 

NOTE:

• Flowers, sealed envelopes, or other offerings will NOT be allowed into the U.S. Capitol or Capitol Visitor Center
• Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off while in the U.S. Capitol
• Photography and electronic recording will not be allowed while visitors are in the Rotunda
• Please carefully review the prohibited items list below
• There is no public parking on Capitol Grounds, so the use of public transportation is encouraged. Please visit https://www.wmata.com to plan your trip to the U.S. Capitol. The closest metro stops are Capitol South, Federal Center SW, and Union Station.

WEDNESDAY

At 7:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 8, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open for public viewing and will remain open throughout the night. 

THURSDAY

 At 7:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 9, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will close to the public for public viewing. At 9:00 a.m., there will be a departure ceremony on the East Plaza, which will be restricted to authorized personnel and closed to the public.

FRIDAY

At 8:30 a.m., on Friday, January 10, the Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center will reopen to the public.

Jimmy Carter public viewing prohibited items

Please bring as few items as possible to expedite security screening and keep the visitor line moving.

In addition to any other items at the discretion of security screeners, the following items are prohibited:

• Bags exceeding the size of 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep.
• Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition.
• Weapons (to include but not limited to): Black jack, sling shot, sand club, sandbag, knuckles, electric stun guns, knives of any size including razors and box cutters, martial arts weapons or devices. Staff may possess knives with blades 3" or less.
• Pointed objects to include but not limited to knitting needles, letter openers, and other pointed objects deemed a possible threat. Pens and pencils are permitted. This restriction does not apply to staff.
• Explosives and explosive devices to include, but not limited to, Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks.
• Mace and pepper spray.
• Liquid of any kind, including water and other beverages. This restriction does not apply to staff.
• Food of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food. This restriction does not apply to staff.
• Aerosol containers.
• Non-Aerosol spray except for prescribed medical needs.
• Sealed envelopes and packages. This restriction does not apply to staff.

Jimmy Carter public viewing tour bus

Tour buses will continue to be rerouted to Union Station through 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. 

Road closures and parking restrictions for State Funeral of Former President Carter

The state funeral has been classified as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), which means federal and local agencies will collaborate under the leadership of the United States Secret Service. Residents should expect significant road closures throughout Northwest Washington, including temporary closures for dignitary escorts.