Local
Shooting suspect hit with new indictment for ‘terrorism’
Corkins accused in attack at Family Research Council HQ
A gunman shot a security guard inside the Family Research Council’s headquarters building in August. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
A federal grand jury on Wednesday issued a new indictment against Floyd Lee Corkins II, the Herndon, Va., man charged in August with shooting a security guard in the lobby of the Family Research Council’s headquarters in Washington.
The indictment charges Corkins with several new offenses, including a D.C. charge of committing an act of terrorism, marking the first time anyone has been charged under the District of Columbia Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Known as a “superseding indictment,” the new action incorporates the three previously filed charges against Corkins and adds seven D.C. offenses, the U.S. Attorney’s office says in a statement.
The new charges include one count each of committing an act of terrorism while armed, attempted murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, second-degree burglary while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Corkins, 28, who worked briefly as a volunteer at D.C.’s LGBT Community Center last year, has been held in custody since his arrest by D.C. police and FBI agents on Aug. 15.
A government arrest affidavit says Corkins entered the Family Research Council’s office at 801 G St., N.W., about 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 15 of this year and exchanged words with an unarmed security guard. The affidavit says Corkins pulled out a handgun from his backpack, pointed it at the guard and fired a shot, hitting the guard in the arm.
The guard, who has been hailed by D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray as a hero, wrestled the gun away from Corkins and subdued him despite having been shot. The affidavit and law enforcement officials said Corkins told the guard seconds before firing his gun that he disagreed with the positions of the Family Research Council, which is widely known as a conservative, religious oriented organization that opposes LGBT rights and is a strong opponent of same-sex marriage.
LGBT organizations immediately issued statements condemning Corkins’ action and expressing solidarity and wishes for a speedy recovery for the security guard.
Corkins was scheduled to appear on Friday, Oct. 26, for a status hearing at U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The hearing was scheduled before the new charges were filed.
In its statement announcing the new indictment, the U.S. Attorney’s office says D.C. anti-terrorism law defines an act of terrorism as “an act or actions committed with the intent to ‘intimidate or coerce a significant portion of the civilian population of the District of Columbia or the United States.” The charge carries a possible sentence of 30 years in prison, the statement says.
In August, Corkins pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges against him, which include the federal charge of interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition and the D.C. charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party set for May 15 with Ashley Biden
The Washington Blade’s 19th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 15 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, has joined the list of speakers, the Blade announced. She will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau Biden for his LGBTQ advocacy work as Delaware attorney general. (Her appearance was rescheduled from last year.)
The event, to be held this year at Diego’s (37298 Rehoboth Ave. Ext.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient will be introduced at the event.
The event will also feature remarks from state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall. New CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Diego’s.
A suggested donation of $25 is partially tax deductible and includes a drink ticket and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
District of Columbia
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Lynne Brown named to 2026 Power List
Washington Blade Publisher Lynne Brown has been named to the 2026 Curve Power List celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals in North America who are blazing trails in their chosen fields.
“From sports and entertainment icons to corporate leaders and lawmakers, these individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future,” Curve Foundation/Curve magazine said in announcing this year’s list, which includes ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, comedian/actress Hannah Einbinder, and singer/actress Renee Rapp, among others.
Brown has worked for the Washington Blade for nearly 40 years. She was named publisher in 2007 before becoming a co-owner in 2010.
“I am honored to be recognized by Curve magazine during Lesbian Visibility Week,” Brown said. “Receiving this Curve honor is twofold. I was an early subscriber to Curve. I enjoy the product and know its history. Its journalism, layout and humorous features have inspired me.
“As an owner/publisher, receiving recognition from a similar source acknowledges my work and efforts, with a sincerity I truly appreciate. Franco Stevens, the publisher of Curve, is a business person of duration, experience, and purpose. The fact that they are in the media business, and honoring me and my publication makes it a tiny bit sweeter.”
Nominations for the Curve Power List come from the community: peers, mentors, fans, and employers.
Curve explained the significance of the list in its announcement: “An annual, publicly nominated list of impactful LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary changemakers is crucial in current times to counter discrimination, legislative rollbacks, hostility, and the invisibility of queer women within mainstream and marginal spaces and endeavors. Such a list also fosters encouragement and solidarity, and elevates voices and achievements—from high-profile roles to under appreciated areas of life.”
Rehoboth Beach
Auction of Rehoboth’s Blue Moon canceled
Details on sale of iconic bar, restaurant not disclosed
The Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, Del., has been an iconic presence in the local LGBTQ community for four decades but its status remains murky after a sheriff’s auction of the property was abruptly called off on Tuesday.
The property was listed for sale in December. At that time, owner Tim Ragan told the Blade that he is committed to preserving its legacy as a gay-friendly space.
“We had no idea the interest this would create,” Ragan said in December. “I guess I was a little naive about that.”
Ragan explained that he and longtime partner Randy Haney were separating the real estate from the business. The two buildings associated with the sale were listed by Carrie Lingo at 35 Baltimore Ave., and include an apartment, the front restaurant (6,600 square feet with three floors and a basement), and a secondary building (roughly 1,800 square feet on two floors). They were listed for $4.5 million.
The bar and restaurant business is being sold separately; the price was not publicly disclosed.
But then, earlier this year, the Blue Moon real estate listing turned up on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office auction site. The auction was slated for Tuesday, April 21 but hours before the sale, the listing changed to “active under contract” indicating that a buyer has been found but the sale is not yet final. As of Wednesday morning, the listing has been removed from the sheriff’s auction site.
Ragan didn’t respond to Blade inquiries about the auction. Back in December, he told the Blade, “It’s time to look for the next people who can continue the history of the Moon and cultivate the next chapter,” noting that he turns 70 this year. “We’re not panicked; we separated the building from the business. Some buyers can’t afford both.”
The identity of the buyer was not disclosed, nor was the sale price.
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