US: Government says Family Research Council shooter should get 45 years

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Prosecutors say a Virginia man who planned a mass killing at the Washington headquarters of an anti-gay conservative Christian lobbying group should spend 45 years in prison for his plot. 

AP reports prosecutors filed a court document late last week recommending the sentence of 45 years for Floyd Corkins, who pleaded guilty to three charges in February.

Corkins pleaded guilty to committing an act of terrorism while armed, interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with intent to kill while armed.

A security guard subdued Corkins in the lobby of the Family Research Council in August 2012 after he pointed a pistol at the man.

The guard was the only person injured.

Corkins later told authorities he planned to kill as many people as possible and to smear Chick-fil-A sandwiches on their faces as a statement.

Chick-fil-A was making headlines at the time because of its president’s stated opposition to equal marriage.

The Family Research Council also opposes marriage equality and is known for its anti-gay rhetoric.

Sentencing is set for Monday 29 April.