Washington police confirm gym gunman has died

Washington police have confirmed that a gunman who shot five people at a gym in the US capital has died. The announcement came after US media reported that he had shot himself, while police had not confirmed his death at an earlier press conference.

One victim died at the scene and four others were taken to hospital with serious injuries; one was in a critical condition, according to ANP. The suspect had barricaded himself in what was believed to be his home above the gym and fired repeatedly at officers before shooting himself, the report said.

Police said the call for people to shelter indoors had been lifted. The shooter’s identity had not been released. The Washington Post reported that he was a 55-year-old doctor who had taken legal action against the apartment block’s management over mould and leaks, but local authorities had not confirmed those reports. Police had earlier said they suspected he had a dispute with the property manager.