A Virginia man charged with shooting a security guard at the headquarters of a prominent conservative organization told the guard “words to the effect of ‘I don’t like your politics,’ ” according to an affidavit filed in the case on Thursday.
The defendant, Floyd L. Corkins II, 28, appeared briefly in United States District Court here, the day after he was wrestled to the ground in the lobby of the Family Research Council here after shooting a guard who tried to stop him from proceeding farther into the building, the authorities said. Mr. Corkins faces charges of transporting a gun across state lines and assault with intent to kill. He was ordered held without bond, and a detention hearing was scheduled for Aug. 24.
The Family Research Council advocates socially conservative and Christian causes. An affidavit filed by prosecutors indicated that Mr. Corkins, who had volunteered at a Washington community center for gay men and lesbians, “has strong opinions with respect to those he believes do not treat homosexuals in a fair manner.”
Investigators said they found a loaded Sig Sauer 9-millimeter pistol and additional ammunition, including two loaded magazines, at the scene. Mr. Corkins also had 15 Chick-fil-A sandwiches in a backpack. The president of Chick-fil-A, Dan T. Cathy, has stirred ferocious debate over his opposition to same-sex marriage. His stance has been praised by groups like the Family Research Council, but a few mayors, including Vincent C. Gray of Washington, have told the company it is not welcome in their cities.
