'Your Dad Was A Hero,' President Biden Pays Tribute To Slain Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans

BOSTON (CBS) -- President Joe Biden and other lawmakers paid their respects to Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans, who lied in honor at the U.S Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. Evans, a Massachusetts native, was killed in the line of duty during an attack on April 2.

At one point the president spoke directly to Evans's family.

"My prayer for all of you is that a day will come when you have that memory and it sends a smile before it brings a tear to your eyes. I promise you it's going to come. It just takes a while. It takes a while but when it comes you'll know because he's still with you. He's still in your heart," Biden said. "Your son, your husband, your brother, your dad was a hero."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "To Billy's beloved children, Logan, Abigail, I want you to know that we are forever indebted to your dad. We will remember his sacrifice and your sacrifice forever."

Evans grew up in North Adams. He was an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Police and a father of two. Friends remembered him as the prankster of the bunch, always cracking a joke and making people in any room laugh.

"He was always happy, always laughing, just that kind of person," said Evans' college roommate Matt Derry.

A Washington D.C. medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, saying he died of multiple blunt force injuries to the head after he was hit by a car, according to CBS Baltimore.

Flags in Massachusetts were lowered to half-staff Tuesday to honor Evans as well.

The flag order is directed at state-owned or controlled buildings and main buildings for public institutions, like town halls.