A South Carolina children’s choir’s performance of the national anthem at the U.S. Capitol was interrupted by the Capitol Police, stirring controversy and going viral with millions of views. The choir, Rushingbrook Children’s Choir from Greenville, had secured permission for the performance from three congressional offices, including the office of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
Officers were under the impression that the choir didn’t have permission to sing in the building. Capitol Police issued an initial statement affirming this impression, only to later clarify they were unaware that the Speaker’s Office had approved the performance. The choir’s director, David Rasbach, expressed his disbelief at the interruption, particularly given it was the national anthem being performed.
The incident sparked accusations from some Republicans who saw the event as politically motivated. In response, Capitol Police denied any political bias, countering that the accompanying congressional staffer had lied multiple times about having permission for the performance.
Capitol Police emphasized that demonstrations and musical performances aren’t usually allowed in the U.S. Capitol. They further stated that in this situation, considering the singers were children, the officers let them complete their rendition of the national anthem. They condemned the congressional staffer for putting both the choir and the officers in an uncomfortable position by not adhering to the rules.
McCarthy and three other Republican members of Congress expressed their disappointment over the premature end to the choir’s performance in a joint statement, which said in part, “We recently learned that schoolchildren from South Carolina were interrupted while singing our National Anthem at the Capitol. These children were welcomed by the Speaker’s Office to joyfully express their love of this nation while visiting the Capitol, and we are all very disappointed to learn their celebration was cut short.” The lawmakers shared their enthusiasm for the Capitol’s reopening and their eagerness to welcome more visitors, particularly children.
