Christian kids silenced during US Capitol anthem, police say sorry.

“Although popup demonstrations and musical performances are not allowed in the U.S. Capitol without the proper approval, due to a miscommunication, the U.S Capitol Police were not aware that the Speaker’s Office had approved this performance,” the U.S. Capitol Police told The Epoch Times in a June 2 email.

“We apologize to the choir for this miscommunication that impacted their beautiful rendition of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and their visit to Capitol Hill,” the email continued.

The Rushingbrook Children’s Choir had permission from the Speaker’s Office to sing the United States’ national anthem in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. However, the performance was abruptly halted by the U.S. Capitol Police, who were not aware of the approval.

The incident was captured in a viral clip, which shows the conductor, David Rasbach, being approached by a man who whispers something to him. Rasbach cuts off the performance before the children can deliver the song’s final line: “For the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Permission from Lawmakers

Rasbach had received permission for the concert with the help of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Rep. William Timmons, both of whom confirmed that he had permission for the concert. However, as the U.S. Capitol Police indicated, permission ultimately had to come from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

In a joint statement, Timmons, Wilson, Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.), and McCarthy denounced the incident and confirmed McCarthy granted permission.

“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 said in a statement provided to The Epoch Times on June 2.

Apology from U.S. Capitol Police

The U.S. Capitol Police have since apologized for the incident, acknowledging the miscommunication that led to the interruption of the choir’s performance.

When provided with the viral clip and Rasbach’s account, the U.S. Capitol Police disputed nothing except the notion that they claimed “The Star-Spangled Banner” could offend someone.

“It is not accurate we told them the song could be offensive,” the U.S. Capitol Police told The Epoch Times.

The Rushingbrook Children’s Choir’s visit to Capitol Hill was meant to be a joyful expression of their love for their country, and the U.S. Capitol Police’s apology acknowledges the importance of allowing such expressions to take place.