WASHINGTON, D.C. – A man involved in the infamous “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory, which falsely claimed a Washington pizza restaurant was a hub for a child sex trafficking ring linked to Hillary Clinton, was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop. Edgar Maddison Welch, the North Carolina man at the center of the debunked theory, died two days after the confrontation with law enforcement.
The incident in December that led to Welch’s arrest involved him firing his assault rifle inside Comet Ping Pong, the pizza restaurant in question. Welch had traveled from North Carolina to investigate the baseless rumors of child abduction at the restaurant. The false allegations surrounding Comet Ping Pong were part of a wave of conspiracy theories that gained traction among some far-right conservatives during the Trump era.
After his arrest, Welch was sentenced to four years in prison for interstate transport of firearms and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was released in March of 2020. The judge presiding over his case emphasized the severity of Welch’s actions, noting that it was fortunate that nobody was injured during the armed incident at the restaurant.
During a routine traffic stop in Kannapolis, North Carolina, police identified Welch as the driver of a vehicle with an outstanding warrant. When officers attempted to apprehend him, Welch brandished a gun and disregarded commands to drop it. Subsequently, two officers fired at Welch, resulting in his death two days later in the hospital.
The tragic end to Welch’s life serves as a reminder of the dangers of spreading false information and engaging in vigilante actions based on unfounded conspiracy theories. The “Pizzagate” incident represents a dark chapter in recent American history, highlighting the potential consequences of misinformation and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.