WASHINGTON, August 16, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The suspect arrested in connection with the shooting at the Family Research Council headquarters Wednesday morning has been charged with assault with intent to kill, among other charges.
Police say the suspect, Floyd Lee Corkins II of Herndon, Va., opened fire in the lobby of 801 G Street NW, striking a security guard in the arm before being tackled to the ground by several individuals. Other sources say Corkins, 28, was complaining about FRC’s political views before he was confronted by the head security guard, Leo Johnson, who kept Corkin from advancing further into the building.
Authorities said Corkins was held late Wednesday on a charge of assault with intent to kill and transporting ammunition across state lines, after officials found 50 rounds of ammunition in Corkins’ bag. Corkin was reportedly armed with a 9mm Sig Sauer semiautomatic pistol.
Corkins was also carrying 15 sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A, the restaurant chain excoriated by liberal leaders last month after CEO Dan Cathy gave remarks in support of traditional marriage. Chick-Fil-A was also criticized for donating to FRC, which gay rights leaders have labeled an “anti-gay hate group” for its conservative stance on social issues.
Johnson, the wounded security guard, was in stable condition Wednesday.
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Corkins’ parents told FBI agents that their son, who lives with them, has “strong opinions with respect to those he believes do not treat homosexuals in a fair manner,” according to court documents cited by the Washington Times.
Corkins, who sources say declared at the scene that “I don’t like your politics,” had been volunteering with The DC Center for the LGBT Community for about the past six months.
President Obama reportedly expressed concern for the security guard and condemned the violence, according to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney issued a public statement offering prayers for the security guard “as well as all the people at the Family Research Council whose sense of security has been shattered by today’s horrific events.”