Police name officer who died in attack near US Capitol

Officer William ‘Billy’ Evans had been a Capitol police officer for 18 years

Police have named the officer who died in the attack near the US Capitol.

Authorities say that Officer William Evans, a member of the United States Capitol Police department for 18 years, died from his injuries on Friday.

“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Officer William ‘Billy’ Evans this afternoon from injuries he sustained following an attack at the North Barricade by a lone assailant,” said Acting US Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman.

“Officer Evans had been a member of the United States Capitol Police for 18 years. He began his USCP service on March 7, 2003, and was a member of the Capitol Division’s First Responder’s Unit.

“Please keep Officer Evans and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Read more:

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Officer Evans was killed and another officer was injured when a male suspect rammed his car into a security barrier, got out and attacked the officers.

The suspect lunged towards the officers with a knife in his hand and was shot and killed.

It is the second officer fatality for the department this year after Officer Brian Sicknick was attacked and died the day after the pro-Trump riot at the Capitol.

“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 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a 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 seen on 6 January. On behalf of the entire House, we are profoundly grateful.”