Officer killed at U.S. Capitol from Berkshire County
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (NEWS10) -- The Capitol police officer that was killed Friday has ties to Berkshire County. Officer William Evans died after a man rammed a car into two officers at the barricade outside the U.S. Capitol.
North Adams City Council Vice Pres. Jason LaForest confirmed Evans was a native of North Adams and a graduate of Drury High School. He remembered Evans fondly as a great athlete and someone with a terrific sense of humor.
"Billy went to work this morning a dad who loved being a police officer above all else," LaForest said. "I know they've said as much. They want people to know the man who will lie in a flag draped casket was an amazing dad to two little kids, and he loved serving the members, our lawmakers, and visitors to the Capitol. It's a sad loss."
Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA 1st District) released the following statement:
“My heart broke watching the scene at the US Capitol unfold this afternoon. Every day I am truly grateful for the brave men and women who work to protect our Capitol, the people who visit it, and those who go to work inside it’s beautiful buildings. When I walk into my office, I greet and thank the guards for their service each and every day. They not only protect us, but our beloved institutions of democracy.
“Today’s news of the passing of USCP Officer William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year veteran of the force, is tragic, and hits home as Officer Evan’s is a native of western Massachusetts. He is indeed a hometown hero and a patriot who risked and sadly lost his life to protect our country. We are a grateful nation in mourning. This evening, my thoughts are with his family and friends who are grieving his untimely passing.”
The second officer was seriously injured.
The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Noah Green. Officials said after Green hit the two officers, he go out of the car with a knife. Green was then shot by police and died.