CLEVELAND — Reaction has been swift after news of the vehicular attack on two Capitol Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday. A man rammed his car into the two officers, then was shot to death when he emerged from the vehicle with what appeard to be a knife.
Both Capitol Police officers were taken to the hospital, and one of the officers died, U.S. Capitol Police said.
The U.S. Capitol complex was placed on lockdown after the shooting and staff were told they could not enter or exit buildings.
Congress is currently on recess, however several members of Ohio's delegation have weighed in on the events of Friday.
U.S. Senate
House of Representatives
Two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the suspect stabbed one of the officers. The officials spoke to AP were not authorized to publicly discuss the pending investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.
“I just ask that the public continue to keep U.S. Capitol Police and their families in your prayers," Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said. "This has been an extremely difficult time for U.S. Capitol Police after the events of Jan. 6 and now the events that have occurred here today.”
Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department's first responders unit.
Authorities said that there wasn't an ongoing threat and that the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism, though the Capitol was put on lockdown as a precaution. There was also no immediate connection apparent between Friday's crash and the Jan. 6 riot.
The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol as Congress is on recess. It comes as the Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after a mob of armed insurrectionists loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win.
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