Man who set himself on fire outside the White House dies in hospital

The man who set himself on fire on a lawn near the White House on Wednesday has died in the hospital after suffering burns to 85 percent of his body.

Arnav Gupta, 33, was identified by US Park Police on Thursday after dying in the hospital.

He had been reported missing by his family around the time that he was seen setting himself on fire on a lawn at Ellipse Park near the White House.

Gupta was from Bethesda, Maryland. His motive for the deadly stunt remains unclear. 

He was reported missing by his family after leaving his home at 9.20am. Three hours later, he was filmed setting himself on fire.