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Video Of Youth Choir Halted From Signing National Anthem By Capitol Police Goes Viral

Video footage capturing a South Carolina-based children’s choir being halted by a Capitol Police officer from singing the national anthem in the U.S. Capitol has gone viral, amassing millions of views.

On May 26, the Rushingbrook Children’s Choir from Greenville, South Carolina, was stopped by Capitol Police due to a “miscommunication,” as initially reported.

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Capitol Police released a statement explaining that they were unaware of the approval granted by the Speaker’s Office for the performance.

Choir director expresses shock at the interruption

Choir director David Rasbach, who had obtained permission from three congressional offices, expressed his shock and disbelief at the interruption of the national anthem.

“I was shocked, I was dismayed, I was stunned,” Rasbach conveyed to the Daily Signal. “I couldn’t believe that was happening, that they would stop the national anthem, of all songs.”

Children’s choir silenced mid-anthem by Capitol Police

Video footage of the incident depicted the children singing while a Capitol Police officer conversed with two men.

One of the men, potentially a congressional staffer, then approached Rasbach. A few moments later, Rasbach motioned to the choir, signaling them to stop singing.

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Republicans accuse Capitol Police of political bias

Although some Republicans alleged that the Capitol Police acted out of political bias, the Capitol Police vehemently denied these claims.

Instead, they accused the congressional staffer of lying to the officers “multiple times about having permission from various offices,” according to an emailed statement to the Daily Signal.

Musical performances not allowed at the U.S Capitol – police clarify

Credits: DepositPhotos

Addressing the incident, the Capitol Police clarified, “Recently somebody posted a video of a children’s choir singing the Star-Spangled Banner in the U.S. Capitol Building and wrongfully claimed we stopped the performance because it ‘might offend someone.'”

They further explained, “Here is the truth. Demonstrations and musical performances are not allowed in the U.S. Capitol.”

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Congressional staff member creates an awkward situation

The statement continued, “Of course, because the singers in this situation were children, our officers were reasonable and allowed them to finish their beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.”

“The Congressional staff member accompanying the group knew the rules yet lied to the officers multiple times about having permission from various offices.”

“The staffer put the choir and our officers, who were simply doing their jobs, in an awkward and embarrassing position.”

Choir performance was approved, McCarthy’s office confirms

Reacting to the incident, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s office confirmed that they had approved the choir’s visit, as stated by Choir director David Rasbach and another choir leader.

McCarthy, along with three Republican members of Congress involved in inviting the group to the Capitol, released a joint statement expressing their disappointment with the shortened performance.

McCarthy states his disappointment at shortened celebration

“We recently learned that school children 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,” stated McCarthy and the three House Republicans.

They also expressed their eagerness to welcome more Americans back to the halls of Congress as the People’s House reopened.

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