June 19, 2013

Gray honors Family Research Council guard who was shot

BY: ALAN BLINDER OCTOBER 22, 2012 | 5:13 PM
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Photo - Family Research Council security guard Leo Johnson and D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray (Courtesy of the Mayor's Office)
Family Research Council security guard Leo Johnson and D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray (Courtesy of the Mayor's Office)

The District on Monday honored the security guard who authorities say likely prevented more carnage in an August shooting at the Family Research Council's headquarters.

Leo Johnson, the operations manager at the conservative group, disarmed Floyd Lee Corkins II when he allegedly opened fire on Aug. 15 at the 801 G St. NW building. Johnson was wounded in the attack.

On Monday, Mayor Vincent Gray presented Johnson with the city's first Mayor's Medal of Honor during a private ceremony at the John A. Wilson Building.

"Leo Johnson put his life on the line to wrestle a firearm away from an assailant and prevented what could have been a very tragic situation," Gray said in a statement. "He is a hero."

Gray also recognized two police officers, Acting Sergeant Timothy Holmes and Officer Walter Gilmore, for their "outstanding judgment and professionalism" in handling the episode.

Corkins has pleaded not guilty to a series of federal and local charges.

ablinder@washingtonexaminer.com

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Alan Blinder

Staff Reporter, D.C. City Hall
The Washington Examiner

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