Gunman from 2016 "Pizzagate" Incident Fatally Shot by Police in North Carolina
Edgar Maddison Welch, the gunman involved in the infamous 2016 "Pizzagate" incident, has died after being shot by police during a traffic stop in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The police emphasized that Welch was shot when he drew a handgun during the stop on Saturday night.
Welch gained notoriety for his armed attack on Comet Ping Pong, a pizza restaurant in Washington DC, which he mistakenly believed was involved in a child sex-trafficking operation linked to high-profile political figures. Although no injuries occurred during the 2016 incident, Welch was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and later pleaded guilty to that and other charges.
During Saturday's traffic stop, an officer recognized Welch’s vehicle and identified him as a passenger with an outstanding felony probation violation warrant. As police attempted to apprehend him, Welch reportedly pointed a handgun at the officers, leading them to fire their weapons in response. He was subsequently transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
The ongoing investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the state’s Bureau of Investigation, while the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
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