Man Dies by Suicide After Ramming Car Into Barricade Near U.S. Capitol

A man drove his car into a barricade near the U.S. Capitol building early on Sunday morning and then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the authorities said.

The man, identified as Richard A. York III, exited his car, which crashed at East Capitol and Second Streets after 4 a.m., as it caught fire, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement. He fired several shots into the air and then shot himself as officers approached him.

Officers did not shoot back, the statement said. No one else was hurt. The authorities said Mr. York, 29, was from Delaware but a motive for his actions remained unclear as of Sunday afternoon.

“At this time, it does not appear the man was targeting any members of Congress, who are on recess,” the statement said.