Biden to pay respects to Capitol police officer killed in car attack – live updates | US news

House minority leader Kevin McCarthy reflected on the “courage and sacrifice” of Officer William “Billy” Evans, who will lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda today.

“With heavy hearts and in recognition of his courage and sacrifice, a grateful nation bids farewell to Officer Billy Evans, a true hero,” McCarthy said on Twitter. “His loss is enormous—our prayers are with his two children, his families, and his colleagues in Capitol Police.”

Posters of Officer William “Billy” Evans have been put up around the Capitol as lawmakers prepare to honor the US Capitol Police officer, who was killed on 2 April .

From an NBC News congressional reporter:

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged yesterday that today will be a difficult day for everyone who works in the upper chamber, as they honor Officer William “Billy” Evans.

“For everyone who works in the Senate, his loss is particularly painful,” Schumer said on the Senate floor yesterday.

“He was a familiar face who greeted lawmakers, reporters, staffers and employees at the North entrance as we entered the Senate side of the building. Whether you knew him or not, his wide smile was often the first thing you’d see in the morning.”

Shortly after his death, Evans’ family released a statement describing him as “the best father, son, brother, and friend anyone could ever hope for”.

Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.

Joe Biden will visit the Capitol today to pay his respects to William “Billy” Evans, the US Capitol Police officer who was killed in a car attack earlier this month, as he lies in honor in the Rotunda.

Evans died after an attacker attempted to ram his car through a security barrier at the Capitol and then exited the vehicle wielding a knife. The attacker, identified as Noah Green, was shot and killed by another USCP officer after exiting the car.

After the attack, House speaker Nancy Pelosi called Evans “a martyr for our democracy”. Days later, she and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer announced Evans would lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda.

Evans is the second USCP officer to lie in honor at the Capitol this year. Officer Brian Sicknick, who died of his injuries from the January 6 insurrection, also received the honor in February.

The two events underscore what a tragic and traumatic year this has been for the USCP force, as well as everyone who works at the Capitol.

The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.