President Donald Trump on Friday afternoon held a private funeral event for his late brother, Robert Trump.
Several dozen guests attended the event, which took place in the East Room of the White House.
Around 5:20 p.m., Robert Trumps casket was transferred to a hearse waiting outside.
President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and several family members followed the pallbearers down the steps as bagpipes played the hymn “Abide With Me.”
The family members stood at attention and held hands for a couple of moments as the casket was placed inside the vehicle.
A few dozen family and friends stood nearby on the White House steps. As the hearse drove away, the president and first lady returned to the residence and some in the group embraced in an effort to provide comfort.
The event marked the first White House funeral service since 1963 when president John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
“Robert, I Love You. Rest In Peace!” the president wrote on Twitter late Friday.
Robert, I Love You. Rest In Peace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 21, 2020
When Trump explained why he wanted to have a service for his brother at the White House, he said: “I think hed be greatly honored. He loves our country. He loved our country so much. He was so proud of what we were doing and what we are doing for our country. So I think it would be appropriate.”
Robert Trump, the youngest of the five Trump siblings, died on Aug. 15 at the age of 71, and would have turned 72 in 11 days. The cause of death was not disclosed.
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