Edgar Maddison Welch, the man infamous for opening fire at Comet Ping Pong restaurant in Washington D.C. in 2016, has tragically died after an encounter with the police.
The 36-year-old, from Salisbury, North Carolina, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Kannapolis on Saturday night.
Police had recognized the vehicle he was in, a gray 2001 GMC Yukon, and soon discovered that Welch had an outstanding felony warrant.
A Deadly Confrontation During a Traffic Stop
Welch was a passenger in the car when police officers realized he was wanted for a probation violation.
As they approached him to make the arrest, Welch allegedly pulled a handgun from his jacket and aimed it at the officers.
Despite commands to drop the weapon, Welch refused, prompting the officers to open fire.
He was rushed to the hospital but died two days later from his injuries.
Fortunately, no one else was harmed in the confrontation.
The Infamous 2016 Shooting at Comet Ping Pong
The tragic incident that made Welch infamous occurred on December 4, 2016, when he stormed into Comet Ping Pong, a pizzeria in Washington D.C., armed with an AR-15 rifle.
Welch believed the baseless ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy theory, which falsely claimed that high-profile Democrats were running a child sex trafficking ring out of the restaurant.
During the chaos, he fired shots inside the pizzeria but later surrendered when he realized there were no children involved in the alleged trafficking.
The ‘Pizzagate’ Hoax and Welch’s Motivations
The conspiracy theory spread during the 2016 presidential election, leading Welch to drive all the way from North Carolina to Washington D.C., determined to “rescue” children he believed were in danger.
Welch recorded a heartfelt message for his daughters before the attack, explaining his actions as a desperate stand against what he saw as widespread corruption.
However, the entire situation was based on a false narrative that put countless lives at risk.
Legal Consequences and Apology
Welch faced serious charges for his actions and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to transporting firearms across state lines and assault with a dangerous weapon.
In his court statement, Welch expressed deep regret, acknowledging the recklessness of his decisions and apologizing for the harm caused.
He also admitted that his actions were fueled by a misguided desire to protect innocent children, even though no such danger existed.
The Lasting Impact of ‘Pizzagate’
The ‘Pizzagate’ theory continues to haunt everyone connected to Comet Ping Pong.
The incident had a profound impact on the restaurant’s owner and staff, who faced a wave of harassment and fear due to the hoax.
In a move to support the business after the shooting, Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton reportedly bought dozens of pizzas from the restaurant, sending them to a local literacy program.
The Clintons’ gesture served as a reminder of the long-lasting effects of the conspiracy, which was spread by Russian hackers.
Welch’s Final Days and Legacy
Welch’s life came to a tragic end during a routine traffic stop, but the events surrounding his death and the years leading up to it serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of conspiracy theories.
His actions, fueled by misinformation, led to panic, fear, and destruction.
Though he later regretted his behavior and apologized for his actions, the damage had already been done—both to his own life and to the people he affected.