Car Rams Barricade at U.S. Capitol, Kills Officer

A car rammed into two Capitol Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on Friday afternoon. According to AP News, one of the officers was killed, another was injured, and the driver of the vehicle was shot and killed.

Capitol Police Acting Chief Yognanda Pittman told reporters that the driver exited the vehicle with a knife and charged the two officers. The suspect was shot and died shortly after at a hospital.

Pittman identified the officer who was killed as William “Billy” Evans, an 18-year U.S. Capitol Police veteran. “I just ask that the public continue to keep U.S. Capitol Police and their families in your prayers,” said Pittman. “This has been an extremely difficult time for U.S. Capitol Police after the events of Jan. 6 and now the events that have occurred here today.”

The U.S. Capitol complex itself was placed in lockdown, and staff were informed that no one was allowed in or out. The incident occurs less than three months after an agitated crowd stormed the building during the voting process that certified Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Security measures put in place since then, like fencing for vehicle traffic, were recently removed, the AP reports.

The attacker has been identified as 25-year-old Noah Green, whom officials say had been “suffering from delusions, paranoia and suicidal thoughts.” Investigators are reportedly focusing on his mental health, and they do not see any further threats to the Capitol nor links to the previous incident at the Capitol in January.

The incident reportedly occurred about 300 feet from the Senate-side entrance to the building at a security checkpoint primarily used by senators and staff. Congress is currently in recess, and President Joe Biden had already left the White House for Camp David. Biden ordered that U.S. flags at the White House fly at half-staff through Tuesday, April 6, in honor of Evans.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

Featured

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

  • Where AI Meets Human Judgment

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. It is driving business growth, shaping consumer experiences, and showing up in places most of us never imagined just a few years ago. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.