Dead officer and suspect identified after US Capitol incident.

The officer killed on duty at the United States Capitol earlier today has been identified as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran of the United States Capitol Police.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Officer William ‘Billy’ Evans this afternoon from injuries sustained following an attack on the North Barricade by a lone assailant,” said the Acting Chief of Police for the Capitol Capitol. the United States, Yogananda Pittman, in the statement.

“Officer Evans had been a member of the United States Capitol Police for 18 years. He began his service with the USCP on March 7, 2003 and was a member of the Capitol Division First Aid Unit. Please note to Officer Evans and his family and prayers. “

The suspect has also been identified as Noah Green, 25. They shot him after getting out of the car with a knife.

“Today, America’s heart has been broken by the tragic and heroic death of one of our Capitol Police heroes: Officer William Evans. He is a martyr for our democracy,” said the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in the statement.

“Today, once again, these heroes risked their lives to protect our Capitol and our Country, with the same extraordinary selflessness and spirit of service that were seen on January 6. On behalf of the entire House, we are deeply grateful.” Pelosi.

US President Joe Biden also sent his condolences to the family of the slain officer.

“Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the grounds of the United States Capitol, which killed Officer William Evans of the United States Capitol Police and left a partner fighting for his life. ” Biden said.

“We send our deepest condolences to Officer Evans’ family and to all who mourn his loss. We know how difficult this has been for the Capitol, all who work there and who protect him.”

Flags will be flown at half mast in honor of the murdered officer

In the incident, a car rammed a barricade in front of the United States Capitol on Friday afternoon (US time), killing one officer and wounding another.

The driver of the vehicle was first reported to be in critical condition, but has since died.

The accident and shooting occurred at a checkpoint near the Capitol while Congress was in recess.

The Washington region remains nervous nearly three months after a mob of armed insurgents stormed the Capitol as Congress voted to certify Joe Biden’s presidential victory.

Capitol Police said someone “drove into two USCP officers” and a suspect was taken into custody, but has since died.

Law enforcement officials told the AP the suspect was shot and taken to hospital in critical condition. One of the agents who was injured was taken by police vehicle to the hospital; the other was being transported by emergency medical teams, officials said.

At a press conference a few minutes later, authorities announced that one of the officers had died.

The US Capitol complex was closed after the shooting and staff were told they could not enter or leave the buildings. Since then, the blockade has been lifted.

The incident occurred about 90 meters from the building’s entrance on the Senate side of the Capitol. The fence that blocked vehicular traffic near that area was recently removed when the Capitol began to open after the January 6 riots.

Senators and staff often use the security checkpoint during the week.

Video posted online showed a dark-colored sedan crashing into the barrier of a vehicle and a K9 police officer inspecting the vehicle. Law enforcement officers and paramedics could be seen caring for at least one unidentified person.

President Nancy Pelosi ordered the Capitol flags to fly at half mast in honor of the officer killed in the attack.

– with AP