Family of killed Capitol Police officer remember him fondly
The family of the 18-year U.S. Capitol Police officer who will lie in state in the Rotunda 11 days after he was killed remembered him on Tuesday as “the best father, son, brother and friend anyone could ever hope for.”
“His death has left a gaping void in our lives that will never be filled,” the family of William “Billy” Evans, 41, said in a statement four days after a vehicle rammed into him and another officer at a barricade just 100 yards from the Capitol.
The driver, Noah Green, 25, got out of the car with a knife and was shot to death by police, officials said. Investigators believe Green had been delusional and increasingly having suicidal thoughts.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced Tuesday that Evans, who grew up in North Adams, will lie in honor in the rotunda on April 13, a tribute reserved for the nation’s most eminent private citizens.
“The absolute most important thing in his life was his two children, Logan and Abigail,” his family said. “His most cherished moments were those spent with them — building with Lego, having lightsaber duels, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, and recently finishing the Harry Potter series. … Their dad was their hero long before the tragic events of last week.”
Evans was proud to be a Capitol Police officer, his family said, and he was particularly close with his colleagues from the North Barricade of the Capitol complex.
“We hold them in our hearts, as we know they acutely share our grief,” the family said.