US Capitol Police Officer William Evans, who was killed last Friday in a car ramming attack outside the US Capitol, will lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda on Tuesday, April 13.
The announcement came from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday.
The ceremonial arrival is scheduled for 10:30 am on the East Front of the Capitol. It will be followed by a congressional tribute at 11:00 am. Only invited guests will be allowed at the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the US Capitol Police will be able to pay their respects starting at 12:00 pm. A viewing period for members of Congress will take place from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The ceremonial departure will happen at 6:30 pm.
“The United States Congress joins all Americans in mourning the tragic death of one of our Capitol Police heroes, Officer Billy Evans,” Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint release. “In giving his life to protect our Capitol and our Country, Officer Evans became a martyr for our democracy. On behalf of the entire Congress, we are profoundly grateful.”
The lying-in-honor ceremony in the US Capitol will be a way of conveying the appreciation and the sadness of the nation and the Congress “for the heroic sacrifice of Officer Evans” according to the congressional leaders.
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.
Evans was a veteran of 18 years and a father of two. He is remembered by his colleagues as a devoted public servant.
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.”
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