House Speaker Declines Request for Rev. Jesse Jackson to Lie in Honor at U.S. Capitol

House Speaker Declines Request for Rev. Jesse Jackson to Lie in Honor at U.S. Capitol

House Speaker Mike Johnson has reportedly declined a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that Johnson turned down the request made on behalf of Jackson's family, citing past precedent for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and former Vice President Dick Cheney. Jackson, an 84-year-old civil rights icon and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, passed away this week. His family announced that he will lie in repose at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago, with funeral services planned in his home state of South Carolina and in Washington, D.C.

According to sources, the decision to deny the request was based on precedent rather than political considerations. The general practice for lying in honor in the Capitol Rotunda is typically reserved for presidents, select military officials, and select government officials. The most recent individual to be honored by lying in state was former President Jimmy Carter in January of 2025.

In conclusion, House Speaker Mike Johnson has declined a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol, citing past precedent for similar requests. Jackson, a prominent civil rights figure, will instead lie in repose at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago, with funeral services planned in South Carolina and Washington, D.C.