Richard York III, a 29-year-old Delaware resident, was the driver who struck a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol before getting out and shooting himself.
York had a lengthy criminal history as a drug addict and was accused of punching a coworker in his own house in 2020. Police claim they have not yet determined his motivation for taking a car to the U.S. Capitol.
The U.S. Capitol Hill Police Department issued a statement stating that “next of kin has been notified in reference to this morning’s event.” “Richard A. York the Third of Delaware, who is 29 years old, has been recognised as the individual. It’s still unclear why he decided to take a car to the Capitol Complex.”
The DC Metropolitan Police Department has been given the task of conducting the inquiry.
While the employee was in the victim’s Philadelphia home, York allegedly attacked the person. After spending several hours together, according to reports, York accused the other man of attempting to get in touch with his mother. The other man was allegedly then assaulted by him before he ransacked the home and fled into the woods.
According to WFMZ, York was charged as a result of the incident with a felony crime of aggravated assault, two misdemeanour counts of simple assault and criminal mischief, and a summary offence of harassment.
In 2017, York was accused of breaking into a Pennsylvania pharmacy and taking prescription medications.
At around 4 a.m. on Sunday, York’s car slammed through a police barricade on Capitol Hill and caught fire. He then got out of the car and started firing a gun.
According to reports, the incident lasted just a few seconds, and before York shot himself, the officers had no chance to retaliate. York was the only person hurt.
The incident occurred more than a year after a different car caused one police officer to be killed and another to be injured in 2021 when it slammed into a Capitol barricade.
The attack killed officer Billy Evans and sent the Capitol Hill Police Department “reeling,” according to the Capitol Police union.
