Biden orders flags at half-staff after Capitol officer killed
United States Capitol Police officer William "Billy" Evans died on April 2, 2021. (United States Capitol Police)
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has ordered that U.S. flags at the White House be lowered to half-staff until April 6 in honor of a U.S. Capitol Police officer who was killed Friday after a man rammed a car into a security checkpoint.
Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden are heartbroken over the death of officer William Evans, an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police force. A second Capitol police officer was injured in the attack, while the suspect was killed.
Biden said he knows what a difficult time it’s been for the Capitol and all who work there and protect it. Friday’s incident came about three months after the Jan. 6 insurrection that killed a Capitol police officer and four other people.
Biden released the statement from the Camp David president retreat, where he is spending the weekend.
He expressed gratitude to the Capitol Police and the National Guard troops for responding quickly to the attack.
Biden’s statement reads:
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. 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.
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. As we mourn the loss of yet another courageous Capitol Police officer, I have ordered that the White House flags be lowered to half-mast.
Copyright 2021 by The Associated Press - All rights reserved.
Airport therapy dogs win over Bills fans in Jacksonville | 'Best welcome we've ever had' ▶ 0:43
Airport therapy dogs win over Bills fans in Jacksonville | 'Best welcome we've ever had'
Last call for Nights of Lights! ▶ 0:29
Last call for Nights of Lights!
Jags superfan from London explains his fandom ▶ 0:49
Jags superfan from London explains his fandom
Jaguars fans across 'Duuuval' are ready to take on the Buffalo Bills ▶ 0:51
Jaguars fans across 'Duuuval' are ready to take on the Buffalo Bills
Liam Coen's father, Tim, has been his inspiration throughout career ▶ 1:39
Liam Coen's father, Tim, has been his inspiration throughout career
Man dies, another rescued after boating accident on Crescent Lake, FWC says ▶ 1:11
Man dies, another rescued after boating accident on Crescent Lake, FWC says
Jaguars fans are hyped for Sunday's playoff game ▶ 0:53
Jaguars fans are hyped for Sunday's playoff game
News4JAX tailgate ahead of the Jaguars playoff game ▶ 1:47
News4JAX tailgate ahead of the Jaguars playoff game
Inflammatory comments made by Clay County School Board member addressed at Thursday meeting ▶ 1:31
Inflammatory comments made by Clay County School Board member addressed at Thursday meeting
Jacksonville protesters call for justice after ICE agent shoots, kills woman in Minnesota ▶ 0:43
Jacksonville protesters call for justice after ICE agent shoots, kills woman in Minnesota
Protesters gather outside Clay County School Board meeting to call for Robert Alvero's resignation ▶ 1:19
Protesters gather outside Clay County School Board meeting to call for Robert Alvero's resignation
Moment of silence held outside Duval County Courthouse for woman killed by ICE in Minneapolis ▶ 0:08
Moment of silence held outside Duval County Courthouse for woman killed by ICE in Minneapolis
Community rallies behind Jacksonville father after wife’s tragic death following birth of 6th child ▶ 0:44
Community rallies behind Jacksonville father after wife’s tragic death following birth of 6th child
Breakdown of Jaguars Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills ▶ 1:27
Breakdown of Jaguars Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills
Foggy start to Thursday ▶ 0:35
Foggy start to Thursday
JTA approves program to lower fares for bus systems, remove all costs to ride NAVI shuttles downtown ▶ 0:31
JTA approves program to lower fares for bus systems, remove all costs to ride NAVI shuttles downtown
Breakdown of Jaguars Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills ▶ 1:27
Breakdown of Jaguars Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills
Superstitious Jaguars fan refuses to take down old Halloween decoration because they keep winning ▶ 0:50
Superstitious Jaguars fan refuses to take down old Halloween decoration because they keep winning
Nassau County woman trying to help after learning school lunch debt is up to $200K ▶ 0:51
Nassau County woman trying to help after learning school lunch debt is up to $200K
Service and therapy dogs to greet Bills fans at JAX ahead of game ▶ 0:35
Service and therapy dogs to greet Bills fans at JAX ahead of game
Duval County School Board adds Schools of Hope to legislative agenda amid parent concerns ▶ 0:50
Duval County School Board adds Schools of Hope to legislative agenda amid parent concerns
‘He’ll be missed’: Family of bicyclist killed in hit-and-run pleads for witnesses to come forward ▶ 0:51
‘He’ll be missed’: Family of bicyclist killed in hit-and-run pleads for witnesses to come forward
Raines Vikings celebrated at DCPS school board meeting ▶ 0:58
Raines Vikings celebrated at DCPS school board meeting
Westside apartment complex again under scrutiny as residents report squatters, safety concerns ▶ 0:36
Westside apartment complex again under scrutiny as residents report squatters, safety concerns
2 separate police-involved shootings leave one man dead, one injured ▶ 0:57
2 separate police-involved shootings leave one man dead, one injured
Previous photo Next photo 