VACP Recommends Shrouding of Badges for US Capitol Police Officer William F. "Billy" Evans

• By: VACP
• On: 04/02/2021 15:48:27
• In: VACP News

The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges in honor of the U.S. Capitol Police Officer William F. "Billy" Evans who was killed in an incident April 2 when a vehicle rammed a barricade. As always, badges are recommended to be shrouded through the day of interment — Thursday, April 15.

For his sacrifice, Officer Evans will be remembered with a Congressional Tribute and Lying in Honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, April 13 at 11 am. A private funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 15 at Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams, MA. Private burial will follow.

OBITUARY: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/william-evans-10139413

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USCP Press Release:
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Officer William 'Billy' Evans this afternoon from injuries he sustained following an attack at the North Barricade by a lone assailant. Officer Evans had been a member of the United States Capitol Police for 18 years. He began his USCP service on March 7, 2003, and was a member of the Capitol Division's First Responder's Unit. Please keep Officer Evans and his family in your thoughts and prayers."

– Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman

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News Release from the Speaker of the House:

Pelosi, Schumer Announce U.S. Capitol Police Officer William ‘Billy' F. Evans Will Lie in Honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that late U.S. Capitol Police Officer William ‘Billy' F. Evans will lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda.

Officer William Evans was an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police, who died in the line of duty protecting the U.S. Capitol on April 2, 2021, Good Friday. 

“The United States Congress joins all Americans in mourning the tragic death of one of our Capitol Police heroes, Officer Billy Evans,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.  “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.”

“It is now the great and solemn privilege of the House of Representatives and the Senate to convey the appreciation and the sadness of the Congress and Country for the heroic sacrifice of Officer Evans with a lying-in-honor ceremony in the U.S. Capitol,” continued Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer.  “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.”

A ceremonial arrival will take place on Tuesday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m. on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.  A Congressional Tribute will be held at 11:00 a.m.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony will be open to invited guests only.

A viewing period will commence at 12:00 p.m. for members of the U.S. Capitol Police.  Members of Congress are invited to attend the viewing period from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  A ceremonial departure will occur at 6:30 p.m.  Additional details will be announced at a later date.

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Statement from the Family of USCP Officer Billy Evans:

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.
 

One officer dead after man rams U.S. Capitol barricade; suspect fatally shot by police, officials say

One Capitol police officer was killed and another injured Friday when a vehicle rammed into them near the U.S. Capitol, the department's chief said at a news conference.

Chief Yogananda Pittman said a person left the vehicle with a knife and started lunging. She said police opened fire, killing the suspect.
It was not immediately clear how the officer was fatally injured.

The incident that occurred about 1 p.m. comes less than three months after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol left five people dead, including Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick. Two police officers who had been at the riot later died by suicide.

It also comes two weeks after law enforcement authorities removed an outer perimeter fence, opening Independence and Constitution avenues to traffic. An inner-perimeter fence remains around the complex.

On Friday, all buildings on the U.S. Capitol complex were put on lockdown. Officials said Attorney General Merrick Garland has been briefed on the incident and is monitoring the investigation.

The FBI said in a statement that its Washington field office is responding and providing support to Capitol Police.

The blocks near the Capitol building were once again filled with law enforcement as the area was secured. Just before 2 p.m., two dozen National Guard troops formed a line across Independence Avenue, wearing helmets and body armor and carrying plastic shields.

Vehicles and pedestrians were blocked from going east on Constitution Avenue NE by barricades and armed National Guard members, along with D.C. police patrol cars.

The U.S. Capitol Police said on Twitter that the incident occurred at an access point along Constitution Avenue.

When the incident occurred, police alerted staff members: “Due to an external security threat located All U.S. Capitol Campus Buildings, no entry or exit is permitted at this time,” the alert read. “You may move throughout the building(s) but stay away from exterior windows and doors. If you are outside, seek cover.”
 

This is a developing story and it will be updated. — https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/capitol-lockdown-police-officers-injured-barricade-rammed/2021/04/02/1e1820aa-93d8-11eb-a74e-1f4cf89fd948_story.html

Jessica Contrera, Devlin Barrett, Michelle Boorstein, Justin Jouvenal and Paul Kane contributed to this report.