Washington D.C. sources say the man, who set himself on fire at the National Mall Friday, died later that same night. Moreover, the victim, who apparently self-immolated as runners and tourists looked on near the U.S. Capitol building, has not been identified, according to an October 5 Chicago Tribune news report.
Authorities said a man was seen pouring some form of liquid -- believed to be gasoline -- all over his body using a red container. Moments later, on a patch of grass near monuments in D.C., the man set himself aflame to the horror of onlookers at the Capitol Mall, about 4:30 in the afternoon.
Passersby quickly rushed to the man's side and used the shirts off their own backs to help douse the man's burning body. Capitol and Park police officers arrived moments later and tried to help secure the scene.
The fire from burning man was put out, but sources say about 80 percent of his body was charred. Miraculously, the man was breathing and conscious before being loaded onto a helicopter.
Additionally, witnesses say he thanked those who helped put out the flames after he set himself on fire. However, he was listed in critical condition at the hospital and later died. Doctors will need DNA and/or dental records to indentify the victim.
An autopsy is being done to determine his cause of death. Toxicology reports will likely take weeks, but it may assist investigators with determining a motive why the D.C. man on fire died and what his motive was. As of now, everyone is stumped.
Earlier reports suggest that another unidentified man may have set up a tripod beforehand to film the entire event, which suggests he could have knowledge about the man's motive for seemingly committing suicide by fire.
However, authorities have not verified the report or the existence of this alleged "accomplice."
This story is developing.
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