Crime & Safety
Police Identify Man Who Shot Himself at U.S. Capitol
Twenty-two year-old had Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, according to report; his parents had reported him missing.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division have identified the man who shot himself Saturday on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, according to DC Police.
On Saturday, April 11, at approximately 1:07 pm, U.S. Capitol Police heard the sound of a gunshot on the U.S. Capitol Grounds near the unit block of First Street Northwest, according to DC Police. An adult male was located, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was unresponsive on the scene.
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The decedent has been identified as 22 year-old Leo P. Thornton of Lincolnwood, Ill.
Thornton had Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, Lincolnwood Deputy Police Chief John Walsh told the Chicago Tribune.
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His parents had reported him missing Saturday morning and the FBI contacted the family after the shooting, the newspaper reported.
Thornton was reportedly carrying some sort of protest sign and had left a bag at the Capitol which also added to the lockdown of the Capitol, Capitol Police said Saturday.
It was a picture-perfect day in D.C., Saturday, with many tourists in town for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this case should call D.C. police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
PHOTO of U.S. Capitol courtesy of Architect of the Capitol
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