Columbia will host public services and a formal procession for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Wednesday, and city officials have outlined how the day will unfold for residents and visitors. The events center on First Baptist Church and the South Carolina State House, and they include heightened security measures, a military flyover and a ceremonial caisson procession down Main Street.
What to know before you go
Doors at First Baptist Church will open at 10 a.m. at the Hampton and Marion Street entrances. Seating is first come, first served; RSVPs are not required. The service at the church is scheduled to begin at noon.
"Doors will open at First Baptist Church starting at 10 a.m. at the Hampton and Marion street entrances."
Attendees should expect a clear-bag policy inside the church. Small personal items such as clutches or wallets are permitted, but firearms and other weapons are strictly prohibited — this prohibition applies even to those with concealed-carry permits or licenses.
Procession, State House activities and flyover
Services in Columbia will begin earlier at 10:45 a.m. when Graham’s body is to be escorted to the South Carolina State House. The procession is planned to start on the south side of the State House, facing Pendleton Street, and proceed to the north side via the West Walkway. Following the procession, a presentation of law enforcement will take place on the north-side steps of the State House.
At approximately 11 a.m., an F‑16 flyover is scheduled to be conducted by the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base. After the presentation and flyover, a caisson will proceed down Main Street and is expected to arrive at First Baptist Church prior to the noon service.
Practical guidance for attendees
City officials listed parking options as several parking garages and lots around downtown Columbia. Organizers did not require reservations for the church service, and seating will not be held. Attendees should plan extra time for screening and limited road access along the procession route.
- Arrive early: gates at First Baptist open at 10 a.m., procession activity begins 10:45 a.m.
- Expect security screening and a clear‑bag policy inside the church
- Weapons are banned inside the facility and on church grounds, regardless of permits
- Flyover near 11 a.m. by the 169th Fighter Wing; possible road closures along the procession route
- Parking: use downtown garages and lots; plan for walking or shuttle options if available
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | First Baptist doors open (Hampton & Marion entrances) |
| 10:45 a.m. | Body escorted to State House; procession begins |
| ~11:00 a.m. | Law enforcement presentation and F‑16 flyover |
| Before noon | Caisson proceeds down Main Street to First Baptist |
| 12:00 p.m. | Service at First Baptist begins |
Local impact and context
Downtown Columbia can expect concentrated pedestrian traffic, temporary road closures and increased law-enforcement presence. While officials provided general parking guidance, specific garage locations and any alternate-traffic routes were not listed in the advisory; residents should anticipate detours near the State House, Main Street and the church. Those who work in or travel through the area Wednesday should plan for delays and consider remote work or alternate routes if possible.
The use of a caisson, a formal law-enforcement presentation on the State House steps and a military flyover are intended to mark the occasion with ceremonial precision. For many in Columbia, public events at the State House have long combined pageantry and civic ritual; on this day such rituals will intersect with routine downtown life, creating a visible strain on the city’s transportation grid and public spaces.
Officials have emphasized security and public safety; the ban on firearms, even for permit holders, and the clear-bag policy underscore that organizers expect significant public attendance. Those who plan to participate should follow official instructions and arrive prepared for screening and limited seating.
Further updates or additional instructions may be released as the event approaches. Residents seeking more detailed directions or parking lists should monitor local official channels and downtown advisories.
