Guns and Gear

Report: Suspected Family Research Council gunman volunteered at LGBT center

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The gunman suspected of opening fire in the lobby of the socially conservative Family Research Council headquarters — injuring a security guard — had been volunteering at the The DC Center for the LGBT Community.

Alleged gunman Floyd Corkins II from Herndon, Va., had been working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community center for six months, according to The Associated Press.

David Mariner, the center’s executive director, described Corkins as “kind, gentle and unassuming” to the AP.

The FRC is a staunch and vocal advocate for not expanding the legal definition of marriage beyond heterosexual couples.

Corkins reportedly expressed opposition to the group during the incident. According to a Fox News source, he “made statements regarding [FRC’s] policies, and then opened fire with a gun striking a security guard.”

After the guard disarmed him, Corbins said, “Don’t shoot me, it was not about you, it was what this place stands for,” a source told Fox.

NBC4’s Jackie Benson tweeted Wednesday that sources say the alleged shooter had Chick-fil-A promotional materials in his backpack. Fox News reported he may have been carrying a Chick-fil-A bag.

Chick-fil-A has donated money to FRC through its charity the WinShape Foundation and recently came under fire from gay activists after company president Dan Cathy denounced same-sex marriage. FRC vocally defended the fast food chain.

Security guard Leo Johnson has been described by authorities as a “hero.”

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