The U.S. Capitol came under attack on Friday, with one police officer killed after an individual rammed his car into two officers at a checkpoint.
The attacker and a U.S. Capitol Police officer died in the incident.
The late U.S. Capitol Police officer was identified as William ‘Billy’ Evans, a member of the USCP for 18 years.
The suspect was identified as a 25-year-old male named Noah Green from Indiana. His Facebook page says he is a follower of Islam, and he lost his job recently and expressed despondence.
A Capitol Police representative said the event for now “does not appear to be terrorism-related,” but noted that more investigation would be necessary.
Capitol Police said after 2:40 p.m. that the threat has been “neutralized” and the lockdown in the area was lifted on the U.S. Capitol shortly after 3 p.m.
Capitol Police verified that the driver jumped out of the vehicle with a knife after striking the vehicle into the barricade. The driver then rushed toward the officers, at which point the officers shot the suspect.
The second officer was also injured.
The incident took place at the North Barricade vehicle access point along with Constitution Avenue right after 1 p.m. ET, Capitol Police said. Congress was not in session when the incident took place, but there has been increased security presence at the Capitol since the insurrection that took place there on January 6.
President Joe Biden ordered White House flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the Capitol Police officer who died. Biden said he and First Lady Jill Biden were “heartbroken” after learning about the event.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans’ family, and everyone grieving his loss,” Biden said. “We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it. I have been receiving ongoing briefings from my Homeland Security Advisor, and will be getting further updates as the investigation proceeds. I want to express the nation’s gratitude to the Capitol Police, the National Guard Immediate Response Force, and others who quickly responded to this attack.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered flags at the region to be flown at half-staff in light of the death of the Capitol Police officer.
In another statement, Pelosi referred to Evans as the officer who died, “a martyr for our democracy”.
“Members of Congress, staff and Capitol workers, and indeed all Americans are united in appreciation for the courage of the U.S. Capitol Police,” Pelosi said. “Today, once again, these heroes risked their lives to protect our Capitol and our Country, with the same extraordinary selflessness and spirit of service seen on January 6. On behalf of the entire House, we are profoundly grateful.”
