Man fires shots in air, commits suicide near US Capitol :Police

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The United States Capitol Officers (USCP) claimed on Sunday that a man rammed his automobile into a vehicle barricade near the US Capitol in Washington, fired multiple bullets in the air, and shot himself when police arrived.

"Just after 4:00 a.m. [08:00 GMT], a man drove his car into the vehicle barricade at East Capitol Street and Second Street. While the man was getting out of the car, it became engulfed in flames.

"The individual then fired multiple shots into the air," according to the USCP, adding that the suspect shot himself as police officers approached him.

Scene where U.S. Capitol Police say man drove vehicle into barricade early this morning. Car caught fire and the man fired shots before taking his own life. No others injured. East Capitol between Supreme Court and Library of Congress buildings. pic.twitter.com/hbcjhTeF3U

— Mitchell Miller (@mmillerwtop) August 14, 2022

According to US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger, the man may have set fire to his automobile after hitting the barricade.

“It does appear that it was not the collision with the barricade that caused the fire,” Manger said. “It appears that the individual may have started the fire himself as he was getting out of the car.”

Manger stated that the man then began marching toward the Capitol while shooting several "indiscriminate" shots from a revolver.

Officers reported hearing gunshots and approaching the man as he shot himself. No one else was injured, and officers are not believed to have fired their firearms.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident. The suspect did not attempt to target any members of Congress who are on recess, according to authorities.

Police officers did not open fire on the man. A police inquiry is currently underway.