Crime & Safety

John Constantino, of Mt. Laurel, ID'ed as Mall Fire Victim

Authorities identified Constantino Monday night as the man who set himself on fire on the National Mall.

A Mount Laurel man has been identified by authorities as the man who set himself on fire on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. last week.

John Constantino, 64, doused himself in gasoline in the center of the Mall Friday afternoon, then lit himself on fire, according to the Associated Press. Passing joggers took off their shirts in an effort to help douse the flames, and police said Constantino was conscious and breathing at the scene.

However, he succumbed to his injuries Friday night at the hospital. 

Constantino's family described him as a "loving father and husband," in a statement released through their attorney, Jeffrey Cox.

"His death was not a political act or statement, but the result of his long battle with mental illness," the statement read. "His family would like to acknowledge the heroism of the paramedics and bystanders who attempted to save John."

Cox, whose office is located outside D.C. in Vienna, VA, said it appears Constantino was visiting family in the D.C. area last week. His death came as a "complete surprise" to the family, said Cox. 

"His family is shocked and deeply saddened by this loss," the statement continued. "This is a personal family matter and not an issue of public concern. They ask that the media respect their request for privacy."


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