Joe Biden says he is devastated by the attack on Capitol security checkpoint

The president of the United States, Joe biden, said he was devastated after the attack on the security checkpoint of Capitol which left one agent dead and another injured on Friday. “Jill and I are heartbroken after learning of the violent attack on a security checkpoint at the United States Capitol,” the president said in a statement. The president ordered to place the White House flag at half mast.

// Police officer killed after attack on Capitol Hill and Washington deploys comprehensive security operation

The President, who traveled to Camp David, the traditional official retreat in the mountains of Maryland, to spend the weekend, sent his condolences to the family of the deceased agent and “to all who mourn his loss. “. “We know how difficult this moment has been for the Capitol, for all those who work there and for those who protect it,” added Biden, whose dedication ceremony on Jan. 20 went under strict operation. security after that of the 6th month, groups linked to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol.

Regarding what happened on Friday, Biden assured he was receiving “continuous reports” and expressed his gratitude to the Capitol Police, the National Guard Immediate Response Force and others who responded. quickly to events.

“As we mourn the loss of another courageous Capitol Hill police officer, I have ordered the White House flags lowered at half mast,” he said.

Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans He died on Friday after a man collided with a car with two police officers who were in a barricade in front of the legislative branch and then left the vehicle with a knife in their hands. This is the second death of an officer in 2021, for an agency that continues to struggle to recover from the January 6 insurgency.

Video shows the driver of the wrecked car exiting with a knife in his hand and starting to run towards the officers, Yogananda Pittman, acting Capitol Police chief, told reporters. Authorities shot the suspect, who died in a hospital.

The suspect stabbed one of the officers, two law enforcement officials said The Associated Press. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation.

“I’m just asking the public to keep the Capitol Police and their families in their prayers,” Pittman said. “It has been an extremely difficult time for the Federal Capitol Police after the events of January 6, and now with what has happened here today.”

Evans, an 18 year old veteran, was a member of the department’s first aid unit.

Authorities said there was no ongoing threat and the attack did not appear to be terrorism-related, although the Capitol complex was closed as a precaution. As of yet, there was no immediate link between Friday’s incident and the January 6 riots.

The incident came as the Washington area remains on hold nearly three months after a host of insurgents loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as Congress voted to certify victory of Joe Biden in the presidential election.