Live

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored in historic ceremony at US Capitol

The Supreme Court justice passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 18.

Last Updated: September 25, 2020, 11:20 AM EDT

The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the first woman and first Jewish person to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol on Friday.

The honor, which comes a week after her death at the age of 87 due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer, pays tribute to the country's most distinguished citizens.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is photographed in the West conference room at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Aug. 30, 2013.
The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE

Since 1852, over 30 men have lain in state, including 12 former presidents, as well as other statesmen and military leaders, per historical records. The last person to have lain in state was Georgia congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis, who died in July.

Civil rights icon Rosa Parks was "lain in honor" at the Capitol in 2005, but Ginsburg is the first woman ever to lie in state.

"Justice Ginsburg embodied justice, brilliance and goodness, and her passing is an incalculable loss for our democracy and for all who sacrifice and strive to build a better future for our children," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said upon her passing. "Every family in America benefited from her brilliant legacy and courage. Her opinions have unequivocally cemented the precedent that all men and women are created equal.”

Latest headlines:

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. All times Eastern.
Sep 25, 2020, 11:20 AM EDT

Statuary Hall set up for next portion 

Statuary Hall has been reset for the next portion of  the ceremony, which will feature lawmakers who were not invited to the memorial will have a chance to pay their respects.

The first portion featured prominent politicians like Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former vice president and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Bidden and Senator Kamala Harris. 

Sen. Tammy Duckworth pays her respects as the flag-draped casket of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in state at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Olivier Douliery/AP

Sep 25, 2020, 10:50 AM EDT

Intimate statuary Hall ceremony concludes

Family and friends have finished paying their respects, concluding an intimate ceremony mostly made up of close family members and lawmakers.

The family is scheduled to hold a private burial at Arlington National Cemetery next week.

The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in state in the Capitol's Statuary Hall on Sept. 25, 2020, in Washington.
Pool/Getty Images

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks during a ceremony where Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's flag-draped casket lies in state in Statuary Hall at the Capitol, in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Pool/Reuters

Sep 25, 2020, 10:35 AM EDT

Family, congressional leaders pay their respects

Family members, followed by members of Congress, are now paying their respects one by one, with an emphasis on social distancing.

Members of Congress and guests pay their respects to the late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as her casket lies in state during a memorial service in her honor in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol on Sept. 25, 2020, in Washington.
Pool/Getty Images

The flag-draped casket of the late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg arrives inside the Statuary Hall of the Capitol during a memorial service in her honor on Sept. 25, 2020, in Washington.
Pool/Getty Images

Sep 25, 2020, 10:28 AM EDT

Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt delivers reflection

Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt of Adas Israel Congregation in Washington delivered a eulogy and reflection followed by a second musical selection by Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves accompanied by pianist Laura Ward. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered opening remarks.

Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt speaks during a ceremony to honor the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she lies in state at Statuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Greg Nash/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Denyce Graves accompanied by Lauren Ward perform American anthem during a ceremony where Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's flag-draped casket lies in state in Statuary Hall at the Capitol, in Washington, Sept. 25, 2020.
Pool/Reuters