Watch CBS News

New Terrorism Charge In D.C. Lobbying Group Attack

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Virginia man accused of shooting a security guard inside the headquarters of a conservative Christian lobbying group has been charged with committing an act of terrorism.

Federal prosecutors announced a series of new charges Wednesday against Floyd Lee Corkins II, who was arrested two months ago and accused of opening fire inside the Family Research Council building.

Prosecutors say it's the first time they've charged someone with committing an act of terrorism since the District of Columbia's Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002.

The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Corkins told the guard, Leo Johnson, that he didn't like the organization's politics before opening fire. Johnson survived the shooting and helped wrestle away the gun.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.