Slain Capitol police officer's daughter wipes away mom's tears during emotional memorial

It's never easy losing a parent. Seven-year-old Abigail Evans and her elder brother Logan, 9, have had to cope with losing their father, Police officer William Evans in an attack on Capitol Hill earlier this month. In a touching moment, the 7-year-old daughter could be seen wiping away her mother, Shannon Terranova's tears during a memorial for her father. The fallen Capitol Police officer William Evans was honored at the ceremony which was also attended by President Biden. Evans was killed after a man rammed a car into him and another police officer during an attack at Capitol Hill, on April 2, reported NBC News.

Abigail reached up to her mother and wiped the tears from her face as Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water played at the ceremony. As the United States Army chorus quartet sang Amazing Grace, a tearful Terranova pulled Abigail closer, and her daughter pressed her face against her mother's in an emotional moment. 9-year-old Logan adorned a cap similar to those worn by Capitol Police officers.

The attacker, 25-year-old Noah Green, had struck two officers near Capitol with a car before ramming into a barrier. Evans died in the attack while another officer was hospitalized. The attacker was fatally shot by police officers. President Biden spoke about Evans during the memorial. Biden said Evans was defined "by his dignity, his decency his loyalty, and his courage. He was the one who always kept his word," Biden said. "If he said he'd be there, he'd be there." The President also addressed Evans' family. "Your son, your husband, your brother, your dad was a hero. And he's part of you. It's in your blood," said Biden. "You're going to make it by holding each other together, most importantly by holding Logan and Abigail as tightly as you can. The longer you have them, you've got Billy." Evans was an 18-year member of the force who served on the agency's First Responders Unit.

During the ceremony, Abigail was seen holding a small toy shaped like the Capitol dome. As Nancy Pelosi spoke, the 7-year-old dropped the toy only to have the President pick it and give it back to her. "A greater compliment does no one have than the president of the United States looking after your toys," Pelosi told the 7-year-old immediately after.

Dozens of uniformed officers lined up on either side as pallbearers carried the casket into the Rotunda. More than 50 police officers were in attendance. Evans' mother was also present during the memorial. "We are all shocked by the senselessness of this loss," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, reported USA Today. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Evans "a martyr for our democracy" and added that he had joined "the pantheon of heroes" who gave their lives to defend the Capitol. A police officer had been killed by a mob of Trump supporters during the insurrection on January 6.

It is not common for police officers or private citizens to lie in honor at the Rotunda. Capitol Rotunda is traditionally used to honor distinguished Americans including military officers and elected officials. Officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed during the insurrection was laid in honor in early February. "We must never – never – take for granted the work," said Schumer, referring to Capitol police. 

Schumer remembered Evans as "a prankster," always quick with a joke. "He capitalized on every opportunity for a joke," said Schumer, recalling that he often played simple pranks on lost tourists. They would ask him if they could ask him a question, and he'd reply, 'you already did.' This was quickly followed by an offer to assist them, "How can I help?'"