Mourners brave cold to pay respects to Jimmy Carter at Capitol Rotunda Wednesday

How long will you be able to pay respects to former President Carter?

WASHINGTON - Mourners braved the frigid temperatures Wednesday to pay their last respects to former President Jimmy Carter in the nation’s capital.

Hundreds were in line outside the U.S. Capitol before it opened at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. A steady stream filed past the body of the former president’s flag-draped casket atop the Lincoln catafalque. Carter will remain in the Capitol Rotunda until Thursday morning, when he will be transported to Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral. 

READ MORE: Jimmy Carter funeral: Road closures, parking restrictions, and Metro changes

When did the president's remains arrive in DC?

His remains arrived in Washington Tuesday as part of state funeral rites. Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune celebrated his faith, military service and devotion to service more than anything he did in politics during a service.

READ MORE: Jimmy Carter honored in DC: How to attend memorial events

PHOTOS: Former President Jimmy Carter's final journey | 1924-2024

President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy Thursday. Other living former presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump, are expected to attend.

Carter, a Georgia Democrat and 39th president, died Dec. 29 at the age of 100. He served as president from 1977-81 and endured a rocky four years as the nation’s leader. His term included economic unrest and international crises. His presidency ended with his defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan.

Jimmy Carter public viewing schedule and 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.

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. 

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.

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.

Mourners are advised to dress for the extreme cold if planning on visiting the U.S. Capitol grounds. Temperatures will be around 30 degrees on Wednesday with wind chills making it feel much colder.

Numerous road closures, parking restrictions, and Metro changes will also be in place.