U.S. Capitol Police officer struck, killed by knife-wielding motorist who tried to ram barrier

A U.S. Capitol Police officer was struck and killed Friday when a motorist attempted to ram a metal vehicle barrier at the entrance of the U.S. Capitol Building.

The suspect was reportedly identified as Noah Green, a 25-year-old from Indiana with reported ties to Virginia. Fox News reported on Friday afternoon that the suspect had "identifie[d] himself as a Nation of Islam follower on Facebook," according to a law enforcement source.

The victim in the crash, meanwhile, was identified as William Evans, who had been with the police agency for nearly 20 years. 

Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman said the driver was fatally shot by police after he "did not respond to their verbal commands." Pittman said the driver also "lunged" at the officers. 

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. near the Senate side of the building. 

Images from the incident show a blue car at the checkpoint barrier off Constitution Avenue. 

The Metropolitan Police Department, the District of Columbia's municipal police force, is investigating the incident as a homicide.

The incident occurred about three months after the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. In recent weeks, law enforcement has removed external, razor-wire fencing outside the Capitol complex, but fencing remains closer to the building. National Guardsman also continue to guard the Capitol complex.

Pittman earlier had announced that the two officers injured in the incident were transported to two different hospitals, where she said one officer was pronounced deceased. National Guard troops responded to the incident and were seen with shields, according to reporter Lindsey McPherson on Twitter.

The National Guard told The Hill. that they responded with a "Quick Reaction Force" but could not disclose any more information about it.

Police locked down the Capitol complex after the barrier was rammed and the gunshots were reported. 

U.S. Capitol Police said all Capitol buildings were being locked down “due to an external security threat” and staff members were told they could not enter or exit the buildings, the wire service also reports.

The House and Senate are in recess, so congressional lawmakers are not in Washington.