Edgar Maddison Welch, known for his involvement in the infamous "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory incident, died from gunshot wounds inflicted by police officers during a traffic stop in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on Saturday. The confrontation unfolded when Welch, driving a gray 2001 GMC Yukon, was pulled over by a Kannapolis officer. As the situation escalated, Welch brandished a handgun, prompting the officers to respond with gunfire.
The incident began when a police officer initiated a traffic stop on Welch's vehicle. Two additional officers arrived to assist shortly after the initial stop. As the first officer opened Welch’s car door, he reportedly pulled a handgun from his jacket and pointed it at the officer. In response, Officer Brooks Jones and Officer Caleb Tate discharged their weapons, striking Welch.
After the shooting, Welch was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries two days later. The altercation raises questions about the circumstances leading to the tragic outcome and the actions taken by law enforcement.
Welch gained notoriety in 2016 when he drove from North Carolina to Washington, D.C., to confront alleged child sex-trafficking operations tied to the "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory. He stormed into Comet Ping Pong, a pizzeria in the nation’s capital, armed with an assault rifle. During that incident, he fired shots inside the restaurant but fortunately caused no injuries.
In 2017, Welch pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and interstate transport of a firearm. He later expressed remorse for his actions, stating in an interview with The New York Times, “I just wanted to do some good and went about it the wrong way… I regret how I handled the situation.” His misguided attempt to "self-investigate" the conspiracy theory had significant ramifications and placed him in a precarious legal situation.
The "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory falsely alleged that high-profile politicians, including Hillary Clinton and campaign chief John Podesta, were operating an underground child sex-trafficking ring from the backrooms of Comet Ping Pong. This unfounded narrative gained traction on social media platforms before Welch's actions brought it to national attention.
In the aftermath of the 2016 incident, authorities recovered two weapons from inside the restaurant and another firearm from Welch's vehicle. The bizarre series of events surrounding Welch’s life culminated in a fatal encounter with police that has shocked many in his community.
As investigations continue into the circumstances of the traffic stop and subsequent shooting, the actions of Officers Jones and Tate will be scrutinized. Local and state authorities are expected to conduct an extensive review of the incident to ensure that proper protocols were followed during the encounter.