Police identity man who crashed his car and killed himself near the U.S. Capitol

Law enforcement officers have identified the man who crashed his car and killed himself near the US Capitol as 29-year-old Delaware resident, Richard A. York III.

Police also confirmed that York fired his firearm several times before turning it on himself.

York drove his car into a barricade near the Capitol about 4am. As York left his car, the police statement said it “became engulfed in flames.” The statement goes on to confirm that York did fire his weapon, but it was reportedly fired into the air.

“When our officers heard the sound of gunfire, they immediately responded and were approaching the man when he shot himself,” Capitol Police confirmed. The agency said it did “not appear” that any police officers had discharged their weapons. The police report added that “No-one else was hurt.”

Congress was on recess at the time of the incident, so police do not believe at this stage that the incident was politically motivated.

“At this time, it does not appear the man was targeting any Members of Congress, who are on recess,” the report confirmed. The report concluded by saying that it is still open and is currently being investigated by the DC Metropolitan Department.

Congress is expected to resume after Labor Day.