Vice President Harris condemned the attack at the Capitol Friday that killed one police officer and wounded another, calling it “inexplicable.”
“Today, in an inexplicable act of violence, a brave U.S. Capitol Police Officer was killed in the line of duty, while another officer fights for his life. Officer William Evans made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the Capitol and those who work there on behalf of the American people. Officer Evans, his family, and all those who knew him are in our hearts and prayers. We mourn with them during this difficult time,” she said, referencing the Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans who succumbed to injuries following the event.
“Doug and I are grateful for the Capitol Police, the National Guard Immediate Response Force, and everyone else who responded swiftly to today’s attack,” she added. “And we continue to be proud of the courageous men and women who defend the Capitol, especially during a challenging period when they have faced two violent and deadly attacks.”
The statement came after a motorist, reportedly identified as Noah Green, plowed a car into a barrier at the Capitol. Evans, an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police force, died from his wounds shortly afterward.
Green was killed at the scene after police shot him when he lunged toward them with a knife, according to reports.
The attack came less than three months after pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 in a failed attempt to halt Congress’s certification of the Electoral College results.
Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died from injuries he suffered while engaging the mob, and two other police officers who responded to the riot later died by suicide.
President Biden also offered condolences after Friday’s attack and ordered the nation’s flags to be flown at half-staff.
“Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the U.S. Capitol grounds, which killed Officer William Evans of the U.S. Capitol Police, and left a fellow officer fighting for his life,” Biden said in a statement Friday afternoon, shortly after the slain officer had been identified.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans’ family, and everyone grieving his loss. We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it,” he added.