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U.S. Capitol Officer will lie in honor in United States Capitol Rotunda, family releases statement

By Boston25News.com Staff

Officer William Evans with his children

By Boston25News.com Staff

BOSTON — On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that late U.S. Capitol Officer and western Massachusetts native William ‘Billy’ F. Evans will lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda.

This comes only four days since the 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police died in the line of duty protecting the U.S. Capitol on April 2, Good Friday.

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“The United States Congress joins all Americans in mourning the tragic death of one of our Capitol Police heroes, Officer Billy Evans,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “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.”

A ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. Shortly after, there will be a Congressional Tribute planned to be held at 11 a.m. Only those with an invitation will be allowed to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is now the great and solemn privilege of the House of Representatives and the Senate to convey the appreciation and the sadness of the Congress and Country for the heroic sacrifice of Officer Evans with a lying-in-honor ceremony in the U.S. Capitol,” said Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer.

A viewing period will also be offered for members of the U.S. Capitol Police that will commence at 12 until 6 p.m., and those who attended will then be able to take part in a ceremonial departure that will end the service at 6:30 p.m.

Officer Evans’ family released a statement Tuesday that mentioned his love and commitment to his family and his colleagues at the U.S. Capitol Police.

“The absolute most important thing in his life was his two children, Logan and Abigail. His most cherished moments were those spent with them [...] He was always so eager to show how proud he was of everything they did. Any opportunity to spend time with his children brightened both their lives and his. Their dad was long their hero before the tragic events of last week.”

—  Statement from the family of Officer Evans, per U.S. Capitol Police

Cox Media Group

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