A suspect in the shooting of a security guard at the headquarters of a downtown D.C. conservative Christian lobbying firm criticized the group's anti-gay stance before opening fire, a source tells ABC7.
The shooting took place at the offices of the Family Research Council, which is located at 801 G Street, about a block west of the Verizon Center.
A source tells ABC7's Scott Thuman that the suspect is Floyd Corkin, 28, of Virginia.
Sources say Corkin walked into the Family Research Council and said “It’s not about you, it’s about the policy,” and then shot the guard. The guard, who was shot in the shoulder, was conscious and breathing after the incident.
The suspect was taken into custody by the FBI and was being interviewed. Authorities later found his vehicle at the East Falls Church Metro station.
FBI spokeswoman Jacqueline Maguire said during a press conference that the injured security guard went "above and beyond" and hailed him as a hero.
In a statement posted, FRC President Tony Perkins said the victim worked with the organization.
"The police are investigating this incident," Perkins said in a statement. "Our first concern is with our colleague who was shot today. Our concern is for him and his family."
The Associated Press identifies the FRC as a "conservative Christian lobbying group." On its website, the group says it advocates "faith, family and freedom in public policy and public opinion."
The FRC is no stranger to controversy, even labeled by the Southern Povery Law Center as a hate group because of its stance against homosexuality. It's not hard to find the anger online, with one critic describing the group as having “ignorant, disproven, backwoods values” another adding, “it's why we fight.”
Many consider the FRC to be one of the most powerful religious right lobbying groups in the country and supporters see it as a bedrock of conservative, family principles.
The group boasts of its widespread influence in politics and just this week expressed its excitement to have vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan and possibly Mitt Romney as well, speak at its upcoming voters values summit in D.C.
The Family Research Council advocates conservative positions on social issues and strongly opposes gay marriage and abortion.
Perkins was an outspoken defender of Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy's public stand against same-sex marriage, which made the fast-food chain a flashpoint in the nation's culture wars. The Cathy family foundation has funded the Family Research Council.
"He's taking a bold stand," Perkins said after Cathy's comments were reported. "Chick-fil-A is a Bible-based, Christian-based business who treats their employees well. They have been attacked in the past about their stand. But they refuse to budge on this matter, and I commend them for what they are doing."
The suspect allegedly had Chik-fil-A materials inside the bag he allegedly carried into the building during the shooting.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/08/chinatown-shooting-leaves-two-wounded-78851.html
