Ginsburg is first woman to lie in state in U.S. capitol

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opened the ceremony saying "it is with profound sorrow and deep sympathy to the Ginsburg family that I have the high honor to welcome Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to lie in state at the capitol of the United States."

Ginsburg, a stalwart liberal on the high court since 1993, died last Friday at age 87.

Known simply as RBG, she was an icon to millions of Americans - especially young girls - after a long legal career built on fighting for gender equality.

Statuary Hall was adorned with black ribbons affixed to the colossal marble columns around the room's perimeter, surrounding the area where a catafalque holds Ginsburg's flag-draped coffin.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who presided over Ginsburg's confirmation hearings as a senator in 1993, is among those who attended the Capitol for Friday's ceremony.