Capitol flags to be flown at half staff after driver rams, kills Capitol police officer
WASHINGTON - House Majority Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the flags at the U.S. Capitol in D.C. to be flown at half staff after an officer was struck and killed by a driver, and another was injured on Friday.
READ MORE: U.S. Capitol Police officer, suspect dead after car rams into barricade
Shortly after the incident, a large police presence had gathered at George Washington University Hospital, where the officers were taken after the incident.
A police procession was seen leaving the hospital around 4 p.m.
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The suspect jumped out of the car holding a knife and was shot and killed.
Neither the suspect, nor the officers have been identified.
The Capitol was locked down after the incident.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan offered a statement via Twitter, saying the neighboring state is ready to "provide assistance" if necessary.
Maryland and Virginia were the first states to commit National Guard contingents following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The Capitol Police Union provided this statement after the incident:
Earlier today, a suspect in a sedan rammed a barricade at a check point outside the Capitol near the intersection of the 3rd and Pennsylvania Ave NW. The individual was armed and confronted USCP Officers.
The officers were severely injured in the confrontation and transported to area hospitals, one via medivac.
It is unknown at this time about the motive or intent of the subject and any questions about the subsequent investigation should be directed to USCP PIO or the Metropolitan Police Department, who will handle the investigation.
We have recently been notified that one of our officers has succumbed to his injuries. This is a tragic situation that adds to a very difficult year for our membership. At this time, we cannot release any specific information about the officer until the proper notifications have been made. We will provide an update on the loss of our member as well as the condition of the other officer once we have a full understanding of those injuries and their respective families have been notified.
Our members are some of the most well trained and professional officers in the country and this is a catastrophic example of the risks they take every day, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our Capitol, its occupants, and the seat of democracy itself.
We are thankful for the outpouring of support and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, as necessary.