Miriam Carey, Capitol Suspect, Suffered Post-Partum Depression -- Reportedly Unarmed!
Miriam Carey, Capitol Suspect, Suffered Post-Partum Depression: Reportedly Unarmed!

A woman killed by police today after a high-speed chase through Washington, D.C., that led to a lockdown of Capitol Hill suffered post-partum depression following the recent birth of her daughter, the suspect's mother told ABC News.

The woman was believed to be Miriam Carey, 34, a dental hygienist from Stamford, Conn., authorities told the woman's family, according to a family spokesman.

Police earlier said they were witholding the name of the driver of the car involved in the chase pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Authorities said the woman led police on a chase down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol after ramming a gate at the White House.

Authorities described Carey has having a 'mental illness.'

'She had post-partum depression after having the baby' last August, said the woman's mother, Idella Carey.

She added, 'A few months later, she got sick. She was depressed. ... She was hospitalized.'

Carey had a 1-year-old daughter named Erica, her mother said. Police confirmed that a 1-year-old girl was taken from the car and put in 'protective custody.'

Idella Carey said her daughter ha.