Leo Johnson, a security guard for The Family Research Council, was shot at the headquarters of the conservative organization this morning. LifeNews.com reports that a man posing as an intern shot the guard at their office on G Street in Washington, DC and according to an FRC staffer, Anna Maria Hoffman, via Twitter was wounded in the arm.
Family Research Council President, Tony Perkins, in a statement confirmed the incident and said, “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."
The Washington Examiner reported:
A security guard at the conservative Family Research Council was shot Wednesday morning in the building’s lobby in downtown Washington.
A man walked into the lobby at about 10:45 a.m. and was confronted by the security guard as per the organization’s policy, D.C. police Chief Cathy Lanier said. The man opened fire, and the guard was hit in the arm before he and other security guards tackled the shooter," Lanier said.
"As far as I’m concerned, the security officer here is a hero," Lanier said. "The persona (sic) never made it past him."
Fox News reports that the suspect prior to shooting made comments about FRC’s policies. WJLA-TV reports that the suspect is in custody and that the FBI has taken over the investigation. Authorities are treating this as a case of domestic terrorism.
Update: Mitt Romney issues a statement:
“I am appalled by the shooting today at the offices of the Family Research Council in our nation’s capital. There is no place for such violence in our society. My prayers go out to the wounded security guard and his family, as well as all the people at the Family Research Council whose sense of security has been shattered by today’s horrific events.”
