Makeshift John McCain Memorials Not Welcome on Capitol Hill
Security concerns about accumulated items prompts removal

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.
Every Sunday night I make it a point to go on a walk around the @USCapitol and remind myself about the goodness of this country. Tonight, I walked by Russell and saw this. Rest in peace, @SenJohnMcCain. 🇺🇸 — @MeghanMcCain @cindymccain @McCainInstitute pic.twitter.com/vvr4KiOHGE
— Ken Farnaso (@KenFarnaso) August 26, 2018
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.
The memorial outside of Senator John McCain’s Phoenix office near 22nd st & Camelback keeps growing as people continue to come and pay tribute him. #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/oKrwj2d1JP
— Robert Hernandez (@rhernandezfox10) August 26, 2018
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.