Statement Following the Death of Another Police Officer Protecting the U.S. Capitol

The intersection of Constitution Avenue and 2nd Street NE on Friday, April 2, 2021.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 2, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society released the following statement following another fatal attack against the U.S. Capitol and the police officers sworn to protect it:

“We are shocked and saddened to learn that the U.S. Capitol and its police officers have once again come under a fatal attack,” U.S. Capitol Historical Society CEO Jane Campbell said. “This is a remarkable turn of history. In more than two centuries, never before have two acts of violence at the Capitol occurred so closely together.

“This new attack reminds us that we must continue to seek information about the first attack on Jan. 6 to learn if there is a connection between the two incidents. A Congressionally appointed commission would be an important step toward ensuring we have the policies necessary to keep a deranged person or mob from ever threatening the sanctity of our Capitol again.

“The U.S. Capitol is the people’s house. No building more strongly symbolizes the values of our nation than it does. When it’s attacked, we’re all attacked. The U.S. Capitol Police, this time with full and immediate cooperation of the D.C. Metropolitan Police and the National Guard, did an exemplary job of apprehending the suspect and protecting our nation’s most enduring symbol of freedom. We offer our deepest sympathies to the officer who died and to every officer who put their life on the line; and send our prayers to them and their families this Good Friday.”

Support Civic Education in 2025

Join us in our mission to educate, inspire, and encourage informed civic participation. By becoming an annual member, your support funds vital programs such as the ‘We the People’ Constitution Tour for DC students, free resources and lesson plans for teachers, and our series engaging virtual and in-person public history events. Together, we will preserve Congress’s history and empower citizens to influence the future of our democracy.

Join Today!

Help preserve and share the history of democracy with a year-end donation! Join as a member today and enjoy unique benefits—all while contributing to our mission of preserving history and promoting civic education.

Donations received by midnight tonight or checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2024, will be applied to the 2024 tax year.