Suspect and Police Officer dead after vehicle rammed a security barrier at the U.S. Capitol

The suspect and a Capitol police offer are dead after a car reportedly smashed into a barrier outside the north entrance of the U.S. Capitol Friday.

According to reports, after ramming the security barrier, the suspect exited the vehicle and lunged at police with a knife stabbing one before being shot.

The death of the suspect and officer was announced by Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman during a press conference.

“This has been an extremely difficult time for U.S. Capitol Police after the events of January 6th and now the events that have occurred here today.”

— Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman pic.twitter.com/2JykkSfwGS

— The Recount (@therecount) April 2, 2021

The dead officer has been identified as William “Billy” Evans as Capitol PD received a text alert warning them there would be no entry or exit permitted and to stay away from exterior doors and windows.

Reporters at the scene posted video of the unfolding situation that showed helicopters landing on the Capitol grounds as well as heightened police and national guard presence.

🚨🚨A helicopter just landed on the east front of the Capitol. I’ve never seen anything like this before. ever. pic.twitter.com/LxV0mywRSe

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 2, 2021

Appears that a car smashed into the barrier. Two people are on stretchers. Can’t see whether it’s an officer or civilian pic.twitter.com/Ud5WYGyKFu

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) April 2, 2021

Heavy Police activity around the Capitol Hill – People told to remain indoors. #DC pic.twitter.com/u9fhmZpxA0

— Saqib Ul Islam Chaudhary (@SaqibIslam) April 2, 2021

At 1:44 p.m. National Guard troops responded to the North Barricade entrance of the Capitol where USCP reports a car struck two officers pic.twitter.com/etTT5M0Wn3

— @lindsemcpherson (@lindsemcpherson) April 2, 2021

Fencing around the Capitol was removed last week after the neo-fascist riots that took place there back on January 6. The House and Senate were also out of session today due to the holiday while President Biden was out of D.C. at Camp David.