Capitol Officer Killed Friday To Lie In Honor; Family Releases Statement

William “Billy” Evans, the long-time U.S. Capitol Police officer who was killed on-duty Friday afternoon by a 25-year-old man who attacked him and another officer with a car, will lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda later this month, congressional leadership announced on Tuesday morning.

A 41-year-old father of two, Evans “was quickly transported to a local hospital in a United States Capitol Police cruiser with life-threatening injuries,” but died at the hospital, according to U.S. Capitol Police. The fallen officer will be one of the few private citizens to ever lie in honor, a ceremony that will take place on April 13 and contain a private viewing. 

“In giving his life to protect our Capitol and our Country, Officer Evans became a martyr for our democracy. On behalf of the entire Congress, we are profoundly grateful,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a statement Tuesday. 

“It is our hope that this tribute will be a comfort to the family of Officer Evans, particularly his children Logan and Abigail, as will the knowledge that so many Americans mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.  May this tribute also be a source of comfort and an expression of gratitude to the U.S. Capitol Police Force, which has awed our nation with their courage and resilience during this devastating time,” they added. 

Only a handful of private citizens have lain in honor, the most recent of which was Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was injured in the 2021 Capitol riot and died the following day. Many other figures, however, have lain in state, a ceremony traditionally reserved for eminent government figures and military officers. 

Evans, who was with the U.S. Capitol police for 18 years, was fatally struck with a car on Friday in an attack that also injured another officer, who has since been released from the hospital. After the suspect exited the vehicle, police say he charged toward a third officer with a large knife, at which point the suspect was fatally shot by police.

“Billy was the best father, son, brother, and friend anyone could ever hope for,” Evans’ family said in a statement Monday. “His death has left a gaping void in our lives that will never be filled.”

“The absolute most important thing in his life was his two children, Logan and Abigail. 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. He was always so eager to show how proud he was of everything they did. Any opportunity to spend time with his children brightened both their lives and his. Their dad was their hero long before the tragic events of last week,” the family added.

The full statement can be read below:

Billy was 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 absolute most important thing in his life was his two children, Logan and Abigail. 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. He was always so eager to show how proud he was of everything they did. Any opportunity to spend time with his children brightened both their lives and his. Their dad was their hero long before the tragic events of last week.

While family was always first, Billy had the open, welcoming personality that led him to make friends with anyone he met. He relished bringing people together and making sure everyone felt included and had a good time. The countless testimonials that we have heard from people who knew him capture the warm, funny, and caring person we loved.

Billy was proud to be a United States Capitol Police Officer. His colleagues from the North Barricade were the people he spent so many hours with, and their friendship was one of the best parts of his job. We hold them in our hearts, as we know they acutely share our grief.

Our family is grateful for the immense level of support we have received from USCP in the darkest moment of our lives. The outpouring of support we have received from the law enforcement community from around the country and world both humbles us and serves as a testament to Billy’s sacrifice and dedication to the mission of which he was charged.

We appreciate the level of privacy we have received so far and ask for your continued respect during this difficult time.

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