In a latest statement released by law enforcement officials, the machete-wielding man who attacked officers at a security checkpoint at the New Orleans airport on Friday night and was shot by the sheriff’s deputy died on Saturday.

Richard White, 63 was declared dead at 4:02 p.m Saturday. Investigators hoped to question the suspect for the reason which made him do so, but before anything could be asked he died, the spokesman from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said.

The whole incidence began like this; Mr. White started spraying insecticide on the officers of Transportation Security Administration and then swinging the machete at others. Lt. Heather Sylve of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office shot atleast three times at him. He was shot at his face, chest and thigh.

Carroll Richel, a T.S.A. supervisory officer, was wounded by one of the gunshots but she appeared at the news conference wearing the pink bandage and no other officer was wounded in the episode.

It was found that Mr white carried a shopping bag with gasoline, lighter  and cotton wicks, so this looks like he was up to something which was very dangerous.

Mr White lives in Kenner, La., the New Orleans.

The motive behind the attack is not known but Mr. White’s wife and children were cooperative and told that he was suffering from mental illness. But there are no such incidents in the past which demonstrates such violence like the one on Friday.

At the news conference Sheriff Normand said “We very much want the opportunity to talk to him”