Almost three months since the riots at the Capitol and another incident on the establishment recently occurred with one fatality. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has now ordered the flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of the Capitol Police officer that was killed.
Pelosi ordered the flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff on Friday last week following the death of veteran Capitol Police officer William “Billy” Evans, who was killed after the suspect rammed a vehicle into a police barricade.
Another officer was injured during the incident. Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both spoke with Evans’ family, and the House Speaker sent out a letter to lawmakers in the lower chamber informing them that she has relayed their prayers and condolences to Evans’ mother along with an offer for assistance to her and Evans children.
“Today, America’s heart has been broken by the tragic and heroic death of one of our Capitol Police heroes: Officer William Evans,” said Pelosi. “He is a martyr for our Democracy.”
Schumer also released a statement regarding the incident. “I’m heartbroken for the family and loved ones of US Capitol Police officer William Evans who was killed today defending our Capitol. And I am praying for the other injured USCP officer and his family. We are in their debt,” said Schumer. Their Republican counterparts in both chambers have also released statements honoring Evans and condemned the incident.
The incident last week comes almost three months since the insurrection that occurred on January 6 at the Capitol. Five people were killed in the riots; among them was Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Two other Capitol Police officers died from suicide following the riots, and hundreds were injured.
Previously, Pelosi was asked to weigh in on the allegations surrounding Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz. The House Speaker said during the weekly press conference that the investigation is an important issue that affects the integrity of Congress.
Pelosi added that should the accusations against Gaetz prove to be true, then the least that could be done would be to remove Gaetz from the House Judiciary Committee.