The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the man as John Michael Watts, 58, and said he had no current address. He was taken in critical condition to Grady Memorial Hospital with burns on 85 to 90 percent of his body.

Captain Perry said he was able to speak after the fire was extinguished.

“He did indicate that he is disgruntled with the V.A. system and was seeking attention for that,” he said.

The authorities shut down the area around the Capitol and called the bomb squad to assure the man’s vehicle did not contain explosives. Nearby buildings were evacuated. No other injuries were reported.

The incident unfolded during a news conference about a new state law on hands-free driving. A series of loud bangs and then sirens could be heard in video of the event.