“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 family said in their first public statement, which was released by the U.S. Capitol Police.
Evans was one of two officers struck when a vehicle was rammed through the north barricade of the U.S. Capitol on April 2. The suspect behind the wheel, authorities said, also exited the car and lunged toward officers with a knife in hand before being shot.
Yogananda Pittman, the acting chief of the Capitol Police, announced Evans’ death about three hours after the incident occurred. She asked the public to keep the officer and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
Evans’ family said Tuesday the most important thing in his life was his two children and that to them “their dad was their hero long before the tragic events of last week.”
“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,” their statement read.
The family added that they were grateful for the “immense level of support " they’ve received from the U.S. Capitol Police and from the law enforcement community around the world, which they said is a “testament to Billy’s sacrifice and dedication to the mission of which he was charged.”
Evans is the second member of the Capitol police force to have been killed in the line of duty this year. Officer Brian Sicknick died a day after insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 to protest the congressional certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
“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,” Biden said in a statement. He also ordered that all flags at the White House and federal buildings be flown at half-staff until Tuesday night.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Tuesday that Evans will lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda. The two Democrats said in a joint statement that “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.”
Update: This story has been updated to include more comment from Evans’ family and the announcement that he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda.
