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Security Guard Shot In Chinatown, Suspect In Custody

Guard worked at Family Research Center

By: Patrick Madden and Rebecca Blatt // August 15, 2012
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An investigation continues into a shooting at the office of the conservative Christian Family Research Council in the Chinatown neighborhood of Northwest D.C. this morning.

The shooting happened Wednesday morning inside the building at 801 G Street NW, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The building houses, among other things, the headquarters Family Research Council, a conservative think tank active in opposing abortion and gay marriage.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says a man, named by the Associated Press as 28-year-old Floyd Corkins, walked into the Family Research Council at about 10:45 a.m. He reportedly made a negative reference about the FRC before he was confronted by a security guard. The man then shot the guard, before he was wrestled to the ground.

The man was taken into custody by the FBI, and he has since been charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The guard was conscious and breathing and has been transported to the hospital.

The FBI and police say it's too early to know the circumstances of the shooting and whether it was connected to the FRC's activities. The group strongly opposes gay marriage and abortion and says it advocates "faith, family and freedom in public policy and public opinion.'' The group says the guard was employed by the organization.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins issued a statement shortly after the shooting this morning referencing the incident at the organization's headquarters. 

"The police are investigating this incident," Perkins said. "Our first concern is with our colleague who was shot today.  Our concern is for him and his family."

Police blocked off G Street NW in both directions.

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