The leader of the union for US Capitol Police (USCP) officers said that hundreds of officers could leave the Department following last week’s attack that claimed the life of one member.
USCP Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou stated in an interview with CNN that more than two hundreds of additional officers are needed on the force and called on Congress to take action urgently.
“This attack, combined with the violent events of the January 6th insurrection, have left our officers reeling,” Papathanasiou said in reference to the latest incident.
Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans died and another officer was hospitalized after a man rammed his car into the two officers at a Capitol checkpoint near the Halls of Congress on Friday.
The suspect was later identified as 25-year-old Noah Green, who was shot and killed by officers after he got out of his vehicle and ran toward them with a knife in one of his hands.
Evans, a veteran of 18 years, was a father of two and is remembered by his colleagues as a devoted public servant.
Statement on the Loss of USCP Colleague Officer William "Billy" Evans: https://t.co/JMAEbTcbAp pic.twitter.com/DPvkAv5ptO
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 2, 2021
He is the second member of USCP who was killed in the line of duty in less than three months. Officer Brian Sicknick died after being injured during the storming of the US Capitol building by pro-Donald Trump rioters on January 6.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans’ family, and everyone grieving his loss,” President Joe Biden said in a statement following the tragic incident. “We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it.”
The president also ordered flags at the White House and all federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until Tuesday in order to honor Evans.