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Makeshift John McCain Memorials Not Welcome on Capitol Hill

Security concerns about accumulated items prompts removal

Flowers, flags and other items left to memorialize Sen. John McCain will be cleared away by Capitol Police. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Flowers, flags and other items left to memorialize Sen. John McCain will be cleared away by Capitol Police. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

A small makeshift memorial including flowers and a Navy cover were left on the steps of the Russell Senate Office building over the weekend by people honoring the late Sen. John McCain. But displays like this won’t last long, say Capitol Police.

Ken Farnaso, a staffer for Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.,  posted a photo Sunday afternoon of bouquets outside of the Senate office building where McCain’s D.C. office is.

Officers outside of Russell Monday morning said that any bouquets, flowers, gifts or other items will be removed promptly by Capitol Police.

“Those really aren’t allowed,” one officer told Roll Call. He said that an accumulation of unattended items cause security concerns.

A growing tribute including flowers and candles were left at the senator’s Phoenix office Sunday. 

Flags on Capitol Hill are flying at half staff Monday for McCain, although President Donald Trump has not instructed flags to fly at half staff for the executive branch so far. His office in Russell remains open to serve the people of Arizona. McCain will lie in state in Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. That will take place on Friday, starting with a formal ceremony at 11 a.m., according to his office. 

‘In Memoriam’ McCain Photo Hung at National Portrait Gallery

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Niels Lesniewski contributed to this report. 

 

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