Dignitaries including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will pay tribute to the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — President Joe Biden was at Houston City Hall Monday night, paying tribute to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

He entered the rotunda behind Jackson Lee’s husband and two children, who watched their mother become the second person in history to lie in state at Houston City Hall.

President Biden left this message in the guestbook:

“Fearless, proud and bold. God bless a dear friend and a great American. God bless you, Sheila Jackson Lee.”

Monday evening’s visit concludes the first of four days of tributes to the late MP.

SEE ALSO: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee remembered by friends as hard-working, “Wonder Woman”

National and international dignitaries travel in and out of Houston, and security is a top priority.

Secret Service and federal, state and local law enforcement were out in force Monday night, and that situation is expected to continue throughout the week.

“This is a massive event that will involve multiple layers and multiple subjects that need to be protected,” said James Conway, a counterterrorism expert and former FBI agent. “It’s certainly more complicated when you combine that with the threat matrix that exists in the world. You can be sure that the security services and the protection teams will be at their maximum.”

• Tuesday July 30, 2024 – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. « Viewing & Remembrance” at God’s Grace Community Church, 9944 W. Montgomery Road, Houston, TX 77088

• Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. “Viewing” and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. “Farewell to the community” & Appreciation Service” at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004

• Thursday, August 1, 2024 – 11:00 AM “In Memory of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee” at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road, Houston, TX 77014

Vice President Kamala Harris is among other high-ranking dignitaries expected at Thursday’s event.

“Thursday will really be the time when security services will be at their highest alert because there will be a lot of movement and there will be movement across the city and that always complicates things,” Conway said.

The Houston Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Secret Service and other agencies were seen in large numbers Monday night.

Agencies are not willing to discuss their plans, so it’s unclear how many law enforcement officers from all levels of government are helping to keep departments and the city safe as many pay tribute to the late congresswoman.

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SEE ALSO: Sheila Jackson Lee Memorial Week Begins Monday, July 29