NORTH ADAMS (UKTN) – The death of Police Officer William “Billy” Evans on Friday sparked new security concerns on Capitol Hill. The father of two was killed on Friday and another officer was injured when a blue sedan slammed into them, hitting the deployable door at the entrance to the Capitol.
He is first remembered as a great father and a genuine person with deep ties to Massachusetts. Outside Massachusetts State House, the American flag flies halfway in his honor.
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Evans knew early on that he wanted to be a police officer.
“It was a dream of hers in college,” said Jason LaForest, a friend and member of North Adams City Council. “He had a passion for law enforcement and he had a particular passion as a police officer for the police in the capital.”
Evans’ roommate and former teacher called him a nice guy with an upbeat spirit.
“Billy was fair, he was a great dad first and foremost,” college roommate Matt Derry said.
“He was a very outgoing young man. He was a good student, ”said Professor Jack Claffey. “And he was very popular with his classmates. He was very active in western New England.
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Police said the driver of Friday’s deadly attack got out of the car with a knife. They say Noah Greene, 25, attacked police, stabbing one in the face. Capitol Police shot Greene, who later died in hospital.
The National Guard patrolled the area the day after the deadly outburst. Congress is currently debating how to make the Capitol more secure.
“I think we’ll be reviewing everything at this point, including fencing. And the big concern that I know for a lot of people is these kinds of lone wolf attacks, ”said Rep. Tim Ryan from Ohio.
Evans’ friends say he died in the line of duty, doing what he loved.
“He proudly wore his badge. He spoke of his service with pride, ”said LaForest. “He died the death of a hero, but he really just wanted to serve his country.”
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Massachusetts State Police say there are no credible threats against Boston State House.
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