House Speaker Mike Johnson has denied a request for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to lie in honor at the United States Capitol, citing past precedent over how the deaths of other high-profile figures were handled, according to sources familiar with the matter. Jackson was praised by both Republicans and Democrats alike for his decades of activism and work in politics and international affairs. But civilians or non-government officials have lain in honor in the US Capitol in the past, including civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005 and evangelical pastor Rev. Jackson’s family has announced that next week, he will lie in repose at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago.

Source: CNN February 21, 2026 13:41 UTC