A Capitol Police officer was killed Friday after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. It was the second line-of-duty death this year for a department still struggling to heal from the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Video shows the driver of the crashed car emerging with a knife in his hand and starting to run at the pair of officers, Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman told reporters. Authorities shot the suspect, who died at a hospital.
“I just ask that the public continue to keep U.S. Capitol Police and their families in your prayers," Pittman said. "This has been an extremely difficult timefor U.S. Capitol Police after the events of Jan. 6 and now the events that have occurred here today.”
Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department's first responders unit.
In a statement, Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts' 1st district said: "“My heart broke watching the scene at the US Capitol unfold this afternoon,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Every day I am truly grateful for the brave men and women who work to protect our Capitol, the people who visit it, and those who go to work inside it’s beautiful buildings. When I walk into my office, I greet and thank the guards for their service each and every day. They not only protect us, but our beloved institutions of democracy.
“Today’s news of the passing of USCP Officer William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran of the force, is tragic, and hits home as Officer Evans is a native of western Massachusetts. He is indeed a hometown hero and a patriot who risked and sadly lost his life to protect our country. We are a grateful nation in mourning. This evening, my thoughts are with his family and friends who are grieving his untimely passing.”
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