The rain started pouring the moment the late Sen. John McCain's flag-covered casket emerged from its hearse, pelting the honor guard soldiers who carried the venerated Arizona Republican to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where he will lie in state.
The storm seemed to surround only Capitol Hill, as CNN's Steve Brusk tweeted that it wasn't raining three blocks away. Others pointed out that the rain stopped quickly after McCain's body made it inside. An onlooker compared it to "the heavens weeping" for McCain, who died Saturday at 81. He was honored at the Capitol on Friday, where viewers will be able to pay respect through the evening. He will be buried Sunday in Maryland.
Lawmakers, Cabinet members, and McCain's family gathered in Washington on Friday, the day after a massive memorial service in Arizona for the senator. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), and Vice President Mike Pence all spoke at the ceremony. Dozens of other onlookers filled seats and stood packed inside the rotunda to honor McCain; public viewing will begin at 1 p.m.
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After the service, attendees lined up to individually bid farewell to McCain before leaving the Capitol — and the clouds left the Hill along with them. Kathryn Krawczyk
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