Police departments stand in solidarity with Capitol Police after attack

Police departments across the United States expressed their support for the U.S. Capitol Police after the force lost another one of its members Friday.

The departments shared messages of solidarity on Twitter after it was announced that Capitol Police Officer William Evans died when a man rammed his car into a barrier on the side of the Capitol earlier in the day Friday. 

The attack marked the second on the Capitol in 2021 following the Jan. 6 riots, and the fourth death of a police officer defending the Capitol. 

Officer Brian Sicknick passed away from injuries he suffered during the Jan. 6 insurrection, and two other police officers took their lives following the incident.

The D.C. Police Department wrote that their hearts were heavy over the loss of Evans, an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police force.

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the line of duty death of a @CapitolPolice officer during today’s tragic events at the US Capitol. The men and women of MPD offer our condolences, thoughts and prayers to USCP for their loss and to the officer’s family and friends.

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) April 2, 2021

The New York Police Department shared their condolences as well, writing that Evans “is a national hero we must never forget.”

The NYPD stands shoulder to shoulder with the @CapitolPolice as they mourn the tragic loss of Officer William “Billy” Evans who sacrificed his life today to protect others. Officers Evans is a national hero we must #neverforget. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/syMYK3RRcQ

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 2, 2021

The Los Angeles Police Department echoed similar sentiments in their statement.

“The LAPD is keeping his family & loved ones in our thoughts & prayers,” they wrote.

.@CapitolPolice Officer William ‘Billy’ Evans passed away this afternoon from injuries sustained following an attack by a lone assailant. Officer Evans had been a member of the U.S. Capitol Police for 18 years. The LAPD is keeping his family & loved ones in our thoughts & prayers pic.twitter.com/5ByX5lio29

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 2, 2021

Evans passed away shortly after the incident after suffering wounds during the attack. The suspect, 25-year-old Noah Green from Indiana, was armed with a knife and allegedly lunged toward officers after exiting his vehicle. 

Capitol Police confirmed Friday night that the other officer hurt in the struggle was in “stable and non-threatening condition.” He has yet to be identified.

Green died during the confrontation after he was shot when he did not obey verbal commands, according to reports.