The following statement is attributable to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III:
On behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense, I offer my deepest condolences to the Capitol Police and to the family of the officer killed in today’s tragic incident on Capitol Hill. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this loss, and we offer our best wishes for a speedy recovery of the injured officer. Events like this remind us of the bravery and skill of law enforcement professionals and of our shared commitment to protecting and defending this great country and its institutions. I remain enormously proud of our National Guard troops supporting the Capitol Police and grateful for their quick reaction this afternoon.