The man who opened fire inside a D.C. pizzeria because he reportedly believed a false conspiracy theory that Hillary Clinton was operating a child sex ring inside was indicted Thursday on federal and local charges.
Edgar Maddison Welch, 28, was indicted on a federal charge of transporting a firearm and ammunition across states lines, a D.C. charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and a D.C. charges of possession of a firearm during the commission of violence.
The FBI says Welch told investigators he drove from his home in North Carolina to the family-friendly restaurant and music venue because he wanted to save children who he believed were being held captive. Welch reportedly believed false rumors that circulated on social media and became known as Pizzagate.
He told a friend in a text message that he was “going to raid a pedo ring, possibly sacrificing the lives of a few for the lives of many," the FBI said.
Welch walked into the restaurant the afternoon of Dec. 4 and fired multiple shots. No one was hurt.
Comet Ping Pong was flooded with threats in the days before the attack.
If convicted, Welch faces as much as 35 years in prison. He is due in court Friday morning.
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