During a dispute outside the capital, a legislator from Sri Lanka’s ruling party shot and killed an anti-government demonstrator before killing himself, authorities said Monday.

Amarakeerthi Athukorala opened fire in the town of Nittambuwa, seriously wounding two persons who were obstructing his car, police said, adding that one of the victims died as a result of his injuries.

“The MP fled the scene and took refuge at a nearby building,” a police official told AFP by telephone. “Thousands surrounded the building and he then took his own life with his revolver.”

The incident came as thousands took to the streets across the curfew-bound island and targeted supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has subsequently tendered his resignation.

The Rajapaksa loyalists had earlier in the day destroyed tents and placards of anti-government demonstrators camping outside the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa since April 9.

At least 138 people were injured in the capital, Colombo, and were brought to the Colombo National Hospital, according to a hospital spokeswoman.