Floyd Corkins II, who pleaded guilty to shooting a Family Research Council employee last August was sentenced on Thursday to 25 years in prison, CNN reported. Corkins at the time said that he disagreed with the organization's firm stance against gay marriage.
The shooting took place at the heavily conservative Christian center. The organization is known for its firm stance on family and religious liberty issues
"I realize resorting to violence to achieve political ends is never OK," Corkins said as he expressed remorse before his sentencing.
The 29-year-old Corkins attempted to carry into the center a 9-millimeter handgun, Reuters reported. He had two spare ammunition magazines and a backpack containing chicken sandwiches from a fast-food chain whose president was known for having voiced opposition to gay marriage.
"I don't like your politics," he announced at the group's front door, before shooting Johnson, according to court papers.
Leo Johnson, a security guard turned hero, struggled with Corkins, before he was shot. Johnson still managed to get Corkins to disarm his weapon.
"I forgive you but I do not forget. If you believe in God you should pray to him every day because not only did God save my life that day, he saved yours, too." Johnson has said, adding that God told him not to fire back at Johnson even after being shot.
Corkins was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard Roberts, the U.S. Attorney's office said in a statement.
"The carnage you wanted did not happen only because an ordinary man showing extraordinary courage stopped you," Roberts told Corkins. "Killing human beings is not political activism. It is criminal behavior."
Corkins had pleaded guilty in February to committing an act of terrorism while armed as well as assault and weapons-transportation charges, Reuters also reported.
"We were reminded what the consequences can be of one man well-armed," said prosecutor Patrick Martin. "Mr. Corkins was no less determined than the Navy Yard gunman."
