FRC shooting suspect was volunteer at LGBT organization

http://twitter.com/#!/coopnytimes/status/235867935858622464

Floyd Corkins, the 28-year-old Virginia man who allegedly opened fire and wounded a security guard this morning at the Family Research Council, was apparently a volunteer at a DC-area LGBT center. Some on the Left have been attempting to whitewash the crime as merely an unfortunate, isolated incident, but evidence is mounting that Corkins’ actions were indeed politically motivated.

From the Associated Press:

Corkins had been volunteering for about the past 6 months at The DC Center for the LGBT Community, said David Mariner, executive director of the community center, which is in Northwest Washington. He usually staffed the center’s front desk on Saturdays, and his most recent shift was about two weeks ago.

“He always struck me as a kind, gentle and unassuming young man. I’m very surprised that he could be involved in something like this,” Mariner said.

Though authorities did not publicly reveal a motive, advocacy groups across the ideological spectrum condemned the violence, with some casting it as a hate crime.

Earlier today, a group of prominent LGBT organizations issued a joint statement condemning the shooting.

Other LGBT activists and Twitterers expressed regret and disgust for Corkins’ actions:

Seems Gays are fighting back. Just not in a good way. People your blood may boil but guns aren't the answer. http://t.co/IKDwN6Za

— Steve Crandall (@JayandSteve) August 15, 2012

https://twitter.com/llondo/statuses/235867494940823552

I'm reading that there was a shooting at the Family Research Council headquarters in DC. Violence is not the answer to give #LGBT equality.

— Cory Davis (@flowersindec) August 15, 2012

Dear Floyd Corkins: this is not how you help the GLBTQ movement. Please stop ruining all the hard work my friends and I are doing #rage

— Tess Fabeck (@tkfabeck) August 15, 2012

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