Car Rams Capitol Barricade; Capitol Police Officer and Driver Killed
Congress is on recess so the majority of lawmakers were not near the building.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A car has rammed a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol, injuring two Capitol Police officers and leading to the driver being shot. That’s according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday afternoon on condition of anonymity as the event was unfolding. Capitol Police say the incident happened at a checkpoint near the Capitol.
It comes as the Washington region remains on edge months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win. The Capitol complex was placed on lockdown after the shooting and staff were told they could not enter or exit buildings.
One of the Capitol Police officers has succumbed to his injuries, according to Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman. Police identified the slain officer as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran who was a member of the department’s first responders unit. The suspect died at a hospital.
Authorities said there was no longer an ongoing threat and that the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism. The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol as Congress is on recess.
This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.
