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Arnav Gupta, a 33-year-old man from Bethesda, Maryland, has been identified as the man who set himself on fire at the Ellipse park in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, May 29. Gupta has since died from his injuries.
According to reports, Gupta — who was last seen by family at their home around 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday — lit himself on fire at the tourist-filled Ellipse park around 12:20 p.m. that same day. Prior to his self-immolation, Gupta was reported missing by Montgomery County Police in Maryland.
Once police arrived, Gupta was extinguished and taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries.
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently leading the investigation into Gupta and his actions.
The United States Park Police released an official statement regarding the situation at 6:35 a.m. on Thursday, May 30:
“On May 29, 2019 at 12:25 p.m., officers from the United States Park Police and United States Secret Service responded to a report of an adult male who reportedly lit himself on fire on the Ellipse near 15th and Constitution Avenue. The individual was extinguished and later transported to a local hospital for treatment,” the statement begins.
“The Bethesda MD man identified as Armav Gupta died of his injuries later that evening. In accordance with policy, the investigation has turned over to the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement concludes.
At the time of this writing, it is unclear as to why Gupta decided to self-immolate or if it was in an effort to make a political statement. However, his shirt featured the letters “USA” and an American flag on the front.
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