WASHINGTON (AP) - A man charged with shooting a security guard at a conservative lobbying group in Washington has appeared in court.
Twenty-eight-year-old Floyd Lee Corkins was wearing a white prison jumpsuit and showed no visible emotions or reactions at federal court Thursday.
When the judge asked if he could afford a private attorney, Corkins responded that he only had $300 to his name. The judge assigned a public defender.
Corkins was charged with assault with intent to kill and bringing firearms across state lines.
He was ordered to be held without bond and a detention hearing was scheduled for next Friday. Prosecutors also asked for a mental evaluation.
Corkins entered the organization's lobby and told the guard words to the effect of, "I don't like your politics," according to a criminal complaint charging Corkins with assault with intent to kill and bringing firearms across state.
In his backpack, authorities found a box of ammunition and 15 sandwiches from Chick-fil-A, whose president's staunch opposition to same-sex marriage has helped place the restaurant at the center of a national cultural debate.
The Family Research Council, headquartered in a busy downtown tourist district, strongly opposes gay marriage and abortion and says it advocates "faith, family and freedom in public policy and public opinion." The conservative group maintains a powerful lobbying presence on those causes, testifying before Congress and reviewing legislation.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP Photo)
