Joe Biden, Kamala Harris offer condolences to slain Capitol officer’s family

After a fatal incident in the US Capitol complex, which claimed the life of US Capitol Police officer William Evans and left another officer injured after a car driven by 25-year-old Noah Green was smashed into a barricading, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a joint official statement, which expressed his grief from the incident. 

“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,” wrote Biden in the statement. 

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Biden, who has been offsite for Easter at Camp David, said that the Department of Homeland Security was feeding in constant updates about the incident as the preliminary investigation is underway. 

He further expressed his gratitude to the law enforcement authorities of the United States, including the National Guard Immediate Response Force. He wrote, “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.”

Also Read: Police officer dies after getting rammed by a car outside US Capitol building

Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement on Friday. She said, “Officer Evans, his family, and all those who knew him are in our hearts and prayers. We mourn with them during this difficult time.”

Praising the deceased officer, Harris further said in the statement, “We continue to be proud of the courageous men and women who defend the Capitol, especially during a challenging period when they have faced two violent and deadly attacks.”

She added that he “made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the Capitol and those who work there on behalf of the American people.” 

Biden’s statement concluded with the announcement of the President’s order to fly the White House flag at half-mast to pay respect to the victims of the attack. A similar step was taken by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the US Capitol building.