WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after a suspect rammed a barrier at the U.S. Capitol, striking two U.S. Capitol Police officers and killing one, Officer William ‘Billy’ Evans, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, which oversees the U.S. Capitol Police, issued the following statement:

“I’m saddened and angered at this senseless violence.  Our hearts break for the family and loved ones of Officer Evans.  He died defending the U.S. Capitol.  We are forever grateful for his dedicated service and our thoughts and prayers are with his colleague who was injured.

“We are truly grateful to the Capitol Police, National Guard, and first responders who are vigilantly protecting our Capitol and all who work there or visit it.  We must get to the bottom of this incident and Congress must provide those who defend the Capitol with the resources they need to be safe.  Peer-to-peer counseling and trauma assistance is being offered to Officer Evans’ colleagues and their wellness is our priority.”