Johnson Denies Jesse Jackson Capitol Honor
Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request for Jesse Jackson to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda; the Jackson family has scheduled memorials including March 6-7 in Chicago.
Overview
Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Johnson's office said.
The family requested the honor after Jackson died Tuesday at age 84, and a Rotunda viewing would have allowed the public to pay their respects, sources said.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson condemned the decision, saying it "tells you everything you need to know" about Speaker Johnson's disregard for the Constitution and democracy, the NAACP said.
Officials cited precedent that the Rotunda is typically reserved for former presidents, military leaders and top government officials, and recent requests for Dick Cheney and Charlie Kirk were also denied, sources said.
The Jackson family announced memorial services in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, with final services set for March 6 and 7 in Chicago, and talks continue with lawmakers about D.C. plans.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a partisan controversy by emphasizing precedent and GOP rationale while spotlighting criticism from Black leaders. Editorial choices — evocative phrasing like "majestic rotunda," reliance on anonymous GOP sources, and the absence of a direct Johnson statement — steer readers toward a narrative of politics versus honor.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Lying in honor is a rare ceremonial distinction for private citizens whose remains are placed in the Capitol Rotunda for public viewing, unlike lying in state which is for government officials.
Johnson's office denied the request citing precedent that the Rotunda is reserved for presidents, military leaders, top government officials, and select eminent citizens, as Jackson was a private citizen who never held federal office.
Notable examples include civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005 and evangelist Billy Graham in 2018.
Recent denials include requests for former Vice President Dick Cheney and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Memorial services are scheduled in Chicago, Washington D.C., and South Carolina, with final services on March 6-7 in Chicago.
History
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