The U.S. Capitol complex was placed on lockdown Friday after a vehicle attempted to ram through a barricade, killing one Capitol Police officer and wounding another, according to law enforcement. The suspect is also dead after being shot by police.
*Follow all of the events on the Breitbart News Live Wire below. All times in eastern.**
Live Wire highlights:
► The U.S. Capitol was put under lockdown due to an “external security threat”
► A suspect attempted to ram a vehicle into a U.S. Capitol barricade
► The suspect brandished a knife after exiting their vehicle and was shot by officers
► One Capitol Police officer died of his injuries and another officer was wounded
► The suspect is also dead
4:56 P.M. —
President Joe Biden issues a statement: “Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the U.S. Capitol grounds, which killed Officer William Evans of the U.S. Capitol Police, and left a fellow officer fighting for his life. 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. I have been receiving ongoing briefings from my Homeland Security Advisor, and will be getting further updates as the investigation proceeds.I want to express the nation’s gratitude to the Capitol Police, the National Guard Immediate Response Force, and others who quickly responded to this attack. As we mourn the loss of yet another courageous Capitol Police officer, I have ordered that the White House flags be lowered to half-mast.”
4:49 P.M. —
4:15 P.M. —
Capitol Police identifies the fallen officer: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Officer William ‘Billy’ Evans this afternoon from injuries he sustained following an attack at the North Barricade by a lone assailant. Officer Evans had been a member of the United States Capitol Police for 18 years. He began his USCP service on March 7, 2003, and was a member of the Capitol Division’s First Responder’s Unit. Please keep Officer Evans and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
3:42 P.M. —
3:30 P.M. —
3:20 P.M. — President Joe Biden has yet to issue a statement.
3:08 P.M. —
3:06 P.M. —
2:55 P.M. — The Capitol Police did not have the suspect on file:
2:48 P.M. —
2:30 P.M. —
2:21 P.M. —
2:12 P.M. —
2:06 P.M. —
2:01 P.M. — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn issue statements:
2:00 P.M. — A National Guard presence has formed near the Capitol.
1:52 P.M. —
1:26 P.M. —USCP has responded to the North Barricade vehicle access point amid reports that an individual rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. Both officers were wounded. The suspect is in custody. Both the officers and suspect are en route to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Reporters are sharing videos of the scene:
1:10 P.M. —U.S. Capitol Police have sent out an alert notifying that Capitol buildings are under lockdown “due to an external security threat.” Staff members have been told they could not enter or exit the buildings.