The body of civil rights icon and U.S. Rep. John Lewis was brought to the U.S. Capitol today, where he will be the first Black lawmaker to lie in state.
https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1287812212195840006?s=20
This video shows a close-up view of the masked Honor Guards carrying the casket of Rep. John Lewis who died last week after a battle with pancreatic cancer:
WATCH: A military honor guard carries the body of John Lewis to a hearse at Joint Base Andrews before he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol https://t.co/pd8CL15Ql1 pic.twitter.com/xku5fqfaEd
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 27, 2020
Outside of the U.S. Capitol, the temperatures are hovering around 97 degrees. Should Honor Guard members walking outdoors be forced to wear a mask?
Much respect and admiration to the members of the Honor Guard who are accompanying the casket of late Congressman John Lewis into the Capitol Building in Washington. It is close too 100° there and they are in full dress uniform. God bless them all.
— Steve Wightman (@stevewightman1) July 27, 2020
Although the honor guards carrying the body of Lewis are outdoors, they are still wearing masks in the incredible heat. One of the guards wasn’t able to withstand the intense heat and passed out before Lewis’ casket made it into the Capitol building.
The collapsed honor guard was back on his feet again after being provided with water (and likely having his mask removed). According to Roll Call’s Chris Cioffi, the heat index in Washington is 102.
A member of the Honor Guard, collapsed before Rep. Lewis' casket was brought into the Capitol. He was given water, and helped up.
The heat index in Washington is 102. https://t.co/kR0E69BvZT
— Chris Cioffi (@ReporterCioffi) July 27, 2020
Many on social media are suggesting wearing masks in this intense heat while wearing a heavy uniform may not be the best idea, this Twitter user calls it “F***ING DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH!”
Honor Guard carry John Lewis passed out! Could it BE WEAR A MASK IS F***ING DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH!
— Tammy Spangler (@TAMMYSpangler11) July 27, 2020