After a car slammed into a barricading maintained by the US Capitol police on Friday, the acting Chief of the USCP announced in a brief press conference that one of the two officers who were hit had died. Both police officers were taken to separate medical facilities. 

Yogananda Pittman said, “I just ask that the public continue to keep US Capitol Police and their families in your prayers”, reported CNN. 

The US Capitol Police announced on Twitter, shortly after the press briefing ended, the identity of the police officer who succumbed to his injuries. The statement identified officer William “Billy” Evans, a veteran in the USCP with a service experience of 18 years. 

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She further announced that the suspect wielded a knife while exiting the vehicle and did not respond to any of the verbal commands given by the officers present at the scene. 

She added, “The suspect did start lunging toward US Capitol Police officers, at which time US Capitol Police officers fired upon the suspect. At this time the suspect has been pronounced deceased”, reported CNN.

The suspect was later identified as Noah Green, a 25-year-old man, reported CNN. 

The acting Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Robert Contee further clarified the possible intent behind the incident. He said that the act is not likely “terrorism-related”. However, Contee did not dismiss any future possibilities of investigating the incident to explore the full extent of the situation. 

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In the most recent updates, authorities rolled back the lockdown at Capitol Hill after the press briefing by US Capitol Police concluded. The announcement was made on loudspeakers in the area while urging those in earshot to follow further directions given by the police, reported CNN.

In an attempt to pay respect to the fallen officer of the US Capitol Police, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the flags at the Capitol building will be flown at half-mast.