U.S. Capitol Police Officer William Evans, who died earlier this month after a man slammed his car into him and another officer outside the building, was honored with a moving eulogy inside the Capitol Rotunda.
President Biden delivered an emotional tribute to Officer Evans, whose casket was brought inside to lie in honor.
Biden often turned to Evans’ wife and children, Logan, 9, and Abigail, 7, as he spoke. At one point he referred to the great personal tragedies he’s endured, saying, “I have some idea what you’re feeling like.”
Biden’s moving words were praised by many watching the ceremony, notably, even by Fox News.
As he offered condolences and words of remembrance, the president also provided some measure of comfort to the family of a man who lost his life in the line of duty.
“As long as you have them, you have Billy. He’s still with you. He’s still in your heart.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also spoke at the memorial, sharing personal details such as Evans’ knock for making his fellow officers laugh, and his devotion to his children. Of Evans, Pelosi said he now, “joins a pantheon of heroes who have given their lives to defend this Capitol” and called him “a martyr for our democracy.”
This was the second memorial this year for a fallen member of the Capitol Police. Members of Congress paid tribute in February to Capitol Officer Brian Sicknick, who died as a result of the Jan. 6 insurrection.
