Police identify man who crashed his burning car and killed himself near US Capitol

‘It is still not clear why he chose to drive to the Capitol Complex,’ police say

The US Capitol Police have identified the man who crashed his car into a barrier near the US congressional complex and began firing into the air before killing himself.

The agency said on Sunday that the next of kin of Richard A York III, 29, from Delaware, has been notified following the incident that took place just after 4am on Sunday in Washington DC.

“It is still not clear why he chose to drive to the Capitol Complex,” police said in a statement.

Mr York drove his car into a barrier at East Capitol Street and Second Street. The car “became engulfed in flames” while he was exiting the vehicle, police said.

He then discharged his gun multiple times into the air, prompting Capitol Police officers to respond.

Officers “were approaching the man when he shot himself,” the statement said. No one else was harmed in the incident.

“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,” police said earlier on Sunday.

The incident is under investigation by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

A tow truck removes a car that crashed into a US Capitol barricade in Washington, DC, USA, 14 August 2022 (EPA)

US Capitol Police Officers work near a police barricade on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on August 14, 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

In April last year, Capitol Police shot and killed 25-year-old Noah Green after he drove his car into two officers at a barricade. He was fatally shot by an officer after he exited the vehicle and charged at police while holding a knife, according to The Washington Post. One of the officers was killed.