Man Who Set Himself On Fire Near White House Dies; Identity Revealed

In a horrifying moment caught on video, a man set himself on fire near the White House on Wednesday, walking around fully engulfed in flames for several seconds before Secret Service and police arrived to extinguish the flames and attempt to save his life. The man died from the wounds Wednesday evening, authorities say. More details about the man, who has since been identified, have emerged.

The man, who U.S. Park Police identified early Thursday as Arnav Gupta, 33, of Bethesda, Maryland, died of his wound Wednesday evening, Washington D.C.'s WTOP reported Thursday. Gupta had been reported missing earlier Wednesday, family members citing concerns about his "physical and emotional welfare."

"At approximately 12:20 p.m. a man lit himself on fire on the Ellipse near 15th and Constitution Ave., Secret Service personnel are on scene assisting @NatlParkService and @usparkpolicepio in rendering first aid," the Secret Service tweeted Wednesday.

After authorities put out the flames, Gupta was rushed to a nearby hospital.

"Sgt. Eduardo Delgado, a spokesman for the U.S. Park Police, said the man was in critical condition. Park police assumed jurisdiction because the Ellipse is a national park," The Washington Post reported Wednesday. "Delgado said authorities are trying to identify the accelerant that was used and determine whether the man has a car parked in the area. He said police do not yet know the man’s identity and don’t know a motive."