WASHINGTON – A United States Capitol police officer was killed and a second injured yesterday after a vehicle rammed through security and crashed into a barrier at the complex here, forcing it into lockdown less than three months after a mob assault on Congress.
Capitol police shot dead the driver after he jumped out of the car and lunged at them with a knife, acting chief Yogananda Pittman told reporters.
President Joe Biden, who was with First Lady Jill Biden at Camp David for the Easter holiday, offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the family of William Evans, the veteran policeman killed in the attack.
“Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the US Capitol grounds,” he said in a statement.
US media said officials identified the attacker as Noah Green, a 25-year-old black man from Indiana, and reports said he was an adherent of the Nation of Islam.
Pittman said there was no immediate indication of Green’s motivation or a police file on him.
“It does not appear to be terrorism-related, but obviously, we will continue to investigate,” said Washington metropolitan police chief Robert Contee.
‘Martyr for democracy’
Top officials expressed shock over the attack and sympathy for Evans, an 18-year veteran of the force.
“Please keep officer Evans and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Pittman in a statement.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered flags lowered to half-staff on the Capitol, calling Evans “a martyr for our democracy”.
“Members of Congress, staff, and Capitol workers, and indeed, all Americans, are united in appreciation for the courage of US Capitol police.”
Biden also ordered White House flags to be flown at half-staff.
“We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it.”
The attack comes with the scars still raw and security tight after the January assault on Congress by hundreds of supporters of then president Donald Trump.
National Guard troops were mobilised yesterday, and staff at the huge Capitol complex ordered to stay away from windows and seek cover after alerts went out over the incident shortly past 1pm (1700 GMT).
While Congress was in recess for the Easter holiday, text messages sent to staff still working inside told them no one could enter or leave the building.
“If you are outside, seek cover,” said the messages, while television footage showed what appeared to be the injured officers being loaded onto gurneys and into ambulances.
Following the attack, the blue sedan could be seen crashed into a security barrier on one of the streets leading to Congress.
Memory of January 6
In the January 6 attack, hundreds of extremist Trump backers smashed into the Capitol building, yelling threats against politicians and shutting down the legislature.
One Capitol police officer died, as well as four other individuals who took part in the attack or were nearby.
Since then, security officials have said there is an ongoing threat from extreme-right groups and Trump supporters.
More than 300 people have been charged over the January attack, including members of armed extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, and 100 more are expected to be charged, according to Justice Department court filings.
In recent weeks, some security around the complex has been loosened, with the number of armed National Guard troops at the Capitol reduced and a security fence that created a broad perimeter around the complex removed.
But, permanent barriers remain in place on all the roadway entrances to the Capitol, well-manned by police and National Guard troops.
Security officials, including Capitol police and the National Guard, were faulted for reacting slowly to the crowds that stormed the Capitol on January 6.
But, said Pittman, they also remain on edge.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for US Capitol police after the events of January 6, and after the events that have occurred here today.” – AFP, April 3, 2021
