Accused “Pizzagate” DC shooter negotiating plea deal

Enlarge / The sign for the Comet Ping Pong restaurant in Washingon, DC, where the authorities say an assault rifle-wielding gunman stormed to "self-investigate" the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. The theory names this restaurant as the secret headquarters of a non-existent child sex-trafficking ring run by then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and members of her inner circle. (credit: Nicholas Kamm/Getty Images)

The 28-year-old accused North Carolina "Pizzagate" gunman who captured the nation's attention on December 4, 2016 after being arrested on weapons-related charges in Washington, DC, is negotiating a plea deal with federal prosecutors, according to court records.

Welch

Edgar Maddison Welch allegedly drove from his home state of North Carolina to DC to "self-investigate" a pizza restaurant at the center of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. He brazenly walked in carrying a loaded assault weapon and sent restaurant patrons and employees running for their lives, the government said. Court documents (PDF) lodged Wednesday in the case say his lawyer and prosecutors are finalizing "the paperwork regarding a non-trial disposition in this matter."

Welch faces years in prison in connection to an indictment (PDF) accusing him of three weapons-related charges that include one count of interstate transportation of a firearm, a count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and a final allegation of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

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