One of the two Capitol Police officers involved in the car ramming attack this afternoon has died of his injuries. The suspect has also died.
National File reported that a suspect had attacked Capitol Police officers at the North Barricade of the Capitol complex on Friday afternoon. Video from the Capitol shows a car smashed into the “temporary” barrier placed around the Capitol, with two people being put onto stretchers.
JUST IN – Car smashed into the barrier at US Capitol complex. Two people are on stretchers. pic.twitter.com/OAkmvdrjj8
— Disclose.tv
(@disclosetv) April 2, 2021
Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman spoke to the press during a briefing, and confirmed the incident. Pittman said that a suspect rammed his car into two officers, and then proceeded to hit the barrier on the North Barricade on Constitution Avenue. The suspect then exited the vehicle with a knife, and approached other officers. Capitol Police officers then engaged the suspect with gunfire, after he did not respond to verbal comands and proceeded to lunge at them.
Pittman confirmed that the suspect had died, and that the two Capitol Police officers involved in the attack had been transported to two separate hospitals, but that unfortunately one of them had succumbed to their injuries. The names of the officers involved have yet to be released as the next of kin have not been notified.
“I ask that the public continue to keep the US Capitol Police and their families in your prayers,” Pittman said. “This has been an extremely difficult time for US Capitol Police, after the events of January 6th, and the events that have happened today.”
CAPITOL POLICE: “With a heavy heart… One of our officers has succumbed to his injuries.”
pic.twitter.com/wX2CzVU92x
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) April 2, 2021
Robert Contee of the DC Metro Police confirmed that their homicide and internal affairs division will continue the investigation. Contee said that the threat does not appear to be ongoing, and that the suspect was known to police. He said that the incident “does not appear to be terror related,” but added that they “just don’t know right now.” More information regarding the shooting is to be released on social media.
While the name of the suspect has not been identified, Fox News aired footage of a man that they appeared to identify as the suspect, with the person in question not wearing police uniform.
NEW – Fox News aired footage of the potential US Capitol incident suspect (not wearing a police uniform). WARNING GRAPHIC. pic.twitter.com/MFKsoYTiIO
— Tony (@Mrtdogg) April 2, 2021