capitol cop killed
Officer Billy Evans was a much-respected native of North Adams
The U.S. Capitol Police officer killed Friday when a man rammed a car into officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol was a “terrific dad” and “hometown hero” who hailed from western Massachusetts, officials said.
Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department’s first responders unit. It’s the force’s second line-of-duty death this year, after Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick was killed in the Jan. 6 riot.
Evans was a North Adams native and a father to a young son and daughter, said North Adams City Councillor Jason LaForest, a childhood friend of Evans.
“Billy had an amazing sense of humor. He was always cracking jokes,” LaForest told the Herald.
“Above all he was a terrific dad and loved being a dad even more than he loved being a Capitol Police officer,” which LaForest described as “his dream job.”
“I don’t think he expected not to come home from work tonight and certainly not to meet this tragic end,” LaForest said. “He would just want people to know he was a great guy who loved his kids and loved serving his country.”
North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard tweeted that Evans was raised in the city and Clarksburg, and was a graduate of Drury High School.
“He is indeed a hometown hero and a patriot who risked and sadly lost his life to protect our country,” U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said in a statement. “We are a grateful nation in mourning. This evening, my thoughts are with his family and friends who are grieving his untimely passing.”
Evans was killed and another Capitol police officer was injured in the apparent attack on Friday afternoon that sent shockwaves across D.C. and the country less than three months after rioters laid siege to the complex.
The driver of the crashed car emerged with a knife in his hand and started “lunging” toward the officers,
Capitol Police acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said in a press conference. Authorities shot and killed the suspect.
“I just ask that the public continue to keep U.S. Capitol Police and their families in your prayers,” Pittman said.
President Biden ordered White House flags to halfstaff. He and his wife, Jill, sent “heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans’ family, and everyone grieving his loss.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hailed Evans as a “martyr for our democracy.” Senate Majority Leader
Chuck Schumer said he was “heartbroken.”
Authorities have identified the suspect as 25-yearold Noah Green, who the New York Times and New York Post report described himself on Facebook as a follower of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
The Capitol was plunged into lockdown for a time as a precaution, though authorities said there was no ongoing threat. Both chambers of Congress are in recess.
The apparent attack did not appear to be related to terrorism, nor was there an immediate connection apparent between Friday’s crash and the Jan. 6 riot.
But U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton said it shows the Capitol remains a target, and serves as a stark reminder “that we have heroes who put their lives on the line every day to protect all of us.”
“Having vehicles run into checkpoints and attack Americans was an almost everyday experience in Iraq. It was something I was prepared for as a United States Marine defending democracy in a country that had never had it,” Moulton, an Iraq War veteran, said.
“It’s not something I even imagined dealing with as a United States congressman.”
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of condolences from lawmakers and members of the law enforcement community.
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association tweeted, “Horrible news out of our nation’s capital. Another US Capitol police officer killed in the line of duty. The attacks against police officers must end.”