"Heartbroken" Biden offers condolences after deadly US Capitol attack

U.S. President Joe Biden offered his sincere condolences after the US Capitol attack on Friday that left one police officer dead and another wounded.

“Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the U.S. Capitol grounds, which killed Officer William Evans of the U.S. Capitol Police, and left a fellow officer fighting for his life,” Biden said in a statement, issued by the White House.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans’ family, and everyone grieving his loss. We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it.”

Moreover, Biden noted that he had been receiving ongoing briefings from his Homeland Security Advisor, affirming he will get further updates as the investigation proceeds.

US Capitol Police said a car rammed into two Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon, killing Evans and injuring the other officer. The suspect died as he was shot by authorities.

This was the first deadly attack on the Capitol since 6 January, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building, leading to the deaths of five people.

“We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it,” the president said. “I want to express the nation’s gratitude to the Capitol Police, the National Guard Immediate Response Force, and others who quickly responded to this attack.”