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THE slain Capitol cop laid in honor at the Rotunda and was praised as a hero who put the safety of others first.

President Joe Biden attended the ceremony for William "Billy" Evans, 41, who was killed after a knife-wielding man rammed the barricades of the Capitol lawn with his vehicle.

William 'Billy' Evans, who had two young children, was an 18-year veteran of the force
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William 'Billy' Evans, who had two young children, was an 18-year veteran of the forceCredit: AP
The coffin was draped with the American flag
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The coffin was draped with the American flagCredit: Getty
Biden spoke at the ceremony
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Biden spoke at the ceremonyCredit: AP
Family and friends watched on as the cop's hearse was carried up the steps
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Family and friends watched on as the cop's hearse was carried up the stepsCredit: Reuters
Logan, left, and Abigail, the children of Evans look at the program with a photo of their father
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Logan, left, and Abigail, the children of Evans look at the program with a photo of their fatherCredit: AFP
President Joe Biden presents a challenge coin to Logan Evans, son of William 'Billy' Evans
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President Joe Biden presents a challenge coin to Logan Evans, son of William 'Billy' EvansCredit: AFP
Evans was killed when a vehicle rammed into him at a barricade just 100 yards from the Senate side of the Capitol
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Evans was killed when a vehicle rammed into him at a barricade just 100 yards from the Senate side of the CapitolCredit: EPA

The driver, Noah Green, 25, was shot dead by cops and investigators believe he had been delusional and having suicidal thoughts.

Evans, who had two young children, was an 18-year veteran of the force.

The president said: "He was the one who always kept his word. He was the one who, just like the folks I grew up with, wasn't capable of saying no when you needed him."

"Your dad is a hero," Biden told the children. ."It's in your blood," before adding "the moment of the smile comes without the tear."

Ahead of today's service, a statement from US Capitol Police said: "As we mourn the loss of Officer Billy Evans, we are grateful for the honor bestowed upon him by Congress."

US Capitol cops gathered outside the building and lined the streets as the hearse carrying the body of Evans entered the Capitol grounds around 10.30am.

Family and friends stood at the top of the steps of the Capitol building as his coffin, draped in the American flag, was removed from the hearse.

During the ceremony, the Chaplain of the United States Senate said they are experiencing "anger, confusion and fear" over the loss of "a son, a father, a friend, and a partner."

Evans coffin arrives for the memorial service
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Evans coffin arrives for the memorial serviceCredit: AFP
Logan and Abigail, the children of Evans, are comforted by their mum Shannon Terranova at a memorial service
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Logan and Abigail, the children of Evans, are comforted by their mum Shannon Terranova at a memorial serviceCredit: AFP
The family of Billy Evans were at the ceremony
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The family of Billy Evans were at the ceremonyCredit: Reuters
Biden presenting a challenge coin to Logan Evans
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Biden presenting a challenge coin to Logan EvansCredit: AP
Capitol Police officers look at a program prior to a ceremony honoring Evans
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Capitol Police officers look at a program prior to a ceremony honoring EvansCredit: AFP

Paying tribute to Evans' children, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "Logan and Abigail, no words are adequate. We can only imagine your sadness.

"So many know about your dad and know he is a hero - his name will always be on our lips and in our hearts."

Rep. Tim Ryan, who heads a committee which oversees the Capitol Police, said: "The loss of Officer Evans is yet another stark reminder of what our brothers and sisters in uniform risk every day to protect us.

"The honor of lying in state under the Capitol dome is befitting of this American hero."

Paying tribute to Evans, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted: "With heavy hearts and in recognition of his courage and sacrifice, a grateful nation bids farewell to Officer Billy Evans, a true hero.

"His loss is enormous - our prayers are with his two children, his families, and his colleagues in Capitol Police."

Last night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: "On April 2, a senseless attack on the Capitol claimed the life of Officer William 'Billy' Evans.

Evans family looks on as his casket is carried into the US Capitol
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Evans family looks on as his casket is carried into the US CapitolCredit: EPA
The hearse arriving at the US Capitol on Tuesday morning
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The hearse arriving at the US Capitol on Tuesday morningCredit: Reuters
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi greeted Evans' children
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi greeted Evans' childrenCredit: AP
The death of Evans was described as a 'yet another stark reminder of what our brothers and sisters in uniform risk every day to protect us'
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The death of Evans was described as a 'yet another stark reminder of what our brothers and sisters in uniform risk every day to protect us'Credit: Reuters
President Joe Biden speaks during the ceremony to honour Evans
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President Joe Biden speaks during the ceremony to honour EvansCredit: AP
US Capitol police officers gather prior to a ceremony honoring fellow officer William Evans
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US Capitol police officers gather prior to a ceremony honoring fellow officer William EvansCredit: Reuters
The driver of the car, Noah Green, 25, was shot dead by cops
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The driver of the car, Noah Green, 25, was shot dead by copsCredit: EPA

"Officer Evans will lie in honor under the Capitol rotunda, at the very center of the democracy he gave his life to protect."

On Tuesday he added: "Officers are approached by hundreds of lost tourists a day, lucky ones bump into Billy" before dubbing him a "fellow of infinite jest."

"Billy was a man of many crews - one you'd want to be stationed with," Schumer added, before saying Evans received "joy and laughter out of life's smallest moments."

"Those of you who remember Billy need to speak his name," he finalized.

Senator Elizabeth Warren said Evans "made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our Capitol".

"We are forever in his debt," she said.

In a statement earlier this month, his family said his two children - Logan and Abigail - were the most important thing in his life.

He was remembered by colleagues and friends as a man with a sense of humor who loved baseball and golf.

"His most cherished moments were those spent with them building with Lego, having lightsaber duels, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, and recently finishing the Harry Potter series," the family said.

"He was always so eager to show how proud he was of everything they did."

Evans was remembered by colleagues and friends as a man with a sense of humor who loved baseball and golf
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Evans was remembered by colleagues and friends as a man with a sense of humor who loved baseball and golfCredit: AP
The casket containing Evans body is carried into the Capitol to lie in honor in the Rotunda
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The casket containing Evans body is carried into the Capitol to lie in honor in the RotundaCredit: Getty
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy arrive with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy arrive with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy PelosiCredit: Reuters
President Joe Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrive at the memorial service
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President Joe Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrive at the memorial serviceCredit: AFP
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser waits for slain US Capitol Police officer William Evans to lie in honor
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District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser waits for slain US Capitol Police officer William Evans to lie in honorCredit: Reuters
The guard booth at the North entrance to the US Capitol draped with black cloth
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The guard booth at the North entrance to the US Capitol draped with black clothCredit: EPA

The family said Evans was proud of his job - and his friendship with colleagues near the "North Barricade" of the Capitol complex was one of the best parts of it.

"We hold them in our hearts, as we know they acutely share our grief," they said.

On the Senate floor on Monday evening, Senator Dick Durbin, said Evans was a "familiar and friendly face" at the barricade where he was killed.

"Every day it is incumbent on those of us who work in this building to remember this officer, and to thank him, and the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police who have given so much to keep us safe," Durbin said.

Evans death came just three months after a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, injuring dozens of Capitol Police officers.

Officer Brian Sicknick died during the carange and two men have been arrested and charged with assaulting him with bear spray.

Read More on The US Sun

Sicknick and Evans are two of only six Capitol Police officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the forces nearly 200-year history, according to the department.

Another cop, Howard Liebengood, took his own life in the days after January 6, Associated Press reports.

Capitol cop killed after suspect with knife rams car into barrier before being shot dead by officers
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