Investigators in Washington D.C. revealed that the man suspected of shooting and wounding a security guard in the lobby of the Family Research Center had been volunteering at a community center for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect, who was arrested in Wednesday's shooting, as Floyd Corkins II of Herndon, Va. and are currently interviewing his neighbors as well as other people who may have known Corkins in an effort to explain the reason behind his actions.
David Mariner, executive director of The DC Center for the LGBT Community, stated that Corkins had been a volunteer at the center for the past several months and described Corkins as "kind, gentle and unassuming," according to reports from AP.
There are several reports from various media outlets that state the shooter made negative comments over some of the positions held by the FRC, but officials were not able to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
In response to the shooting, a coalition of 25 gay rights groups released a statement through GLAAD condemning the shooting.
"We were saddened to hear news of the shooting this morning at the offices of the Family Research Council. Our hearts go out to the shooting victim, his family, and his co-workers," the statement read.
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"The motivation and circumstances behind today's tragedy are still unknown, but regardless of what emerges as the reason for this shooting, we utterly reject and condemn such violence. We wish for a swift and complete recovery for the victim of this terrible incident."
The security guard who was shot was taken to a local hospital in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
FRC president Tony Perkins expressed concern for the injured security guard and also for his family as they dealt with the situation.
"The police are investigating this incident. Our first concern is with our colleague who was shot today. Our concern is for him and his family," Perkins said in a statement.
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