The body of former US President Jimmy Carter has arrived in Washington, where three days of official mourning will take place, culminating in lying in state at the Capitol building ahead of his funeral on Thursday.
As military service members stood at attention, Mr. Carter’s flag-draped coffin was transferred from Air Force One to a hearse adorned with the presidential seal.
The motorcade then proceeded to the US Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue, where his remains were placed in a horse-drawn carriage for a procession to the Capitol.
The state funeral for the 39th US president coincides with preparations for Republican President-elect Donald Trump to take over from Democrat Joe Biden.
Mr. Carter, a Democrat who served a single term in the White House from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
The remains of Jimmy Carter being transported through Washington to the Capitol
The former peanut farmer from Georgia faced significant challenges during his presidency, including a struggling economy and the Iran hostage crisis, ultimately losing his re-election bid to Republican Ronald Reagan.
In the years following his presidency, Mr. Carter was regarded as a dedicated humanitarian and often viewed as a more effective former president than he was during his time in office. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Mr. Carter lived longer than any other US president and had been receiving hospice care for nearly two years prior to his passing.
His last public appearance occurred at the funeral of his wife, Rosalynn, in November 2023, where he appeared frail and used a wheelchair.
In August, his grandson Jason Carter mentioned that Mr. Carter was eager to cast his vote for the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, who lost against Mr. Trump.
Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
President Biden has ordered that flags at government buildings be flown at half-mast for 30 days as a gesture of mourning.
The incoming leader indicated that flags should not be lowered during his inauguration.
During a news conference, Mr. Trump reiterated his intentions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, which Mr. Carter handed over to Panama during his presidency.
Members of Congress will pay their respects this evening at a service in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a period for the general public to do the same.
Mr. Carter will lie in state under military guard for 24 hours before being transported by motorcade to Washington National Cathedral.
Today, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina visited the American Embassy in Dublin to sign the book of condolences in memory of former President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/CCIytIc9Fj
Both President Biden and Mr. Trump are expected to attend the funeral on Thursday, along with former leaders Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
Mr. Biden is scheduled to deliver the eulogy during the service.
Afterwards, Mr. Carter’s remains will be flown back to Georgia, where he will be interred in his hometown of Plains.
