[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 62 (Monday, April 12, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1859-S1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   Honoring Officer William F. Evans

  Mr. President, today is also another day of mourning for the men and 
women of the U.S. Capitol Police Force.
  I spent much of my life working in this building as a college 
student, law student, staff member, Congressman, and Senator. This 
building has a special place in my life and in the lives of many 
Americans. It is an enduring symbol of American freedom and democracy. 
It is recognized around the world.
  Sadly, it is also a target for mean-spirited attackers and troubled 
souls. We saw that on January 6, when a mob invaded these halls and 
this Chamber. We saw it on 9/11, when terrorists hijacked a plane with 
the intent of crashing it into this building. And, sadly, we saw it 
again on April 2 with the vehicular attack on the north entrance 
barricade to the Capitol, one of the most frequently used entrances.
  The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police guard this Capitol 24/7, 
365. They put their lives at risk to protect this building and those of 
us who work here and those who visit. They literally risk their lives 
for us. It is the clearest symbol of heroism that I can think of.
  On April 2, one of those heroes, Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans, 
made the ultimate sacrifice. He was killed in the line of duty 
defending the people in this building.
  Officer Evans was 41 years old--41. An 18-year veteran of the Capitol 
Police, he was a familiar, friendly face to many of us here at the 
Capitol, where he often worked at the north entrance.
  Officer Evans was a native of North Adams, MA, a father of two 
children, Logan and Abigail. His family said that he was ``the best 
father, son, brother, and friend that anyone could ever hope for.'' 
They went on to say:

       The absolute most important thing in life was his two 
     children. . . . 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 their hero long before the tragic events of last 
     week.

  The loss of Officer Evans is heartbreaking. I join in praying for his 
family and loved ones.
  We also send our prayers to Officer Ken Shaver, who was injured in 
the April 2 attack, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
  The U.S. Capitol Police have faced incredible hardship this year with 
the loss of three officers: Officer Evans, Officer Brian Sicknick, and 
Officer Howard Liebengood. And 80 officers were seriously injured in 
the insurrectionist mob attack on January 6.

[[Page S1860]]

  The debt that we owe Capitol Police officers like Officer Evans can 
never be repaid, and the same is true for Capitol Police Officers Brian 
Sicknick, Howard Liebengood, Jacob Chestnut, and Detective Michael 
Gibson, and others who have been injured or lost their lives through 
their service. Our gratitude for their sacrifice cannot be captured by 
words.
  This Tuesday, Officer Evans will lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, 
where those whom he died to protect can pass by and pay their respects.
  Every day it is incumbent for those of us who work in this building 
to remember this brave officer and to thank him and the men and women 
of the U.S. Capitol Police, who have given so much to keep us safe.
  (Ms. HIRONO assumed the Chair.)