A man crashed his vehicle into a barricade outside the US Capitol before fatally shooting himself early Sunday morning.
Law enforcement does not believe that the man was trying to target members of Congress.
The incident took place at the barricade on East Capitol Street and Second Street at approximately 4 a.m.
The deceased man’s identity has not been made public at time of publishing.
After crashing his car, the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames, according to a press release from the US Capitol Police. Upon his exit from the burning car, he began firing shots into the air.
“The man then fired several shots into the air along East Capitol Street,” the law enforcement agency said. “When our officers heard the sound of gunfire, they immediately responded and were approaching the man when he shot himself.”
There were no other injuries reported from the incident and it does not appear that any police officers discharged their weapons during the confrontation.
“At this time, it does not appear the man was targeting any Members of Congress, who are on recess, and it does not appear officers fired their weapons,” the USCP said.
Investigators from the USCP are looking into the man’s background, while the Metropolitan Police Department is handling the death investigation.
