Violence Linked to SPLC Under Scrutiny

A victim of workplace violence attributed to a controversial far-left nonprofit shared with Fox News Digital that she recognized the shooter’s motives were connected to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) even before he admitted to it.

The Justice Department has recently increased its examination of the SPLC for allegedly directing millions to extremist groups that it publicly claims to oppose. This includes funding notorious events, such as the KKK’s cross-burning and the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council (FRC), a conservative nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., reflected on an incident that occurred on August 15, 2012. His organization had been labeled a “hate group” by SPLC for its anti-LGBT stance.

During a meeting that day, Perkins recalled a surge of panic when the security alarm went off. He rushed to find out what happened and learned about a shooting occurring below his office.

Upon arriving in the lobby, he witnessed the aftermath, noting, “By the time I got down there, the police had arrived and I saw Leo Johnson, the building manager, in a pool of blood.”

Johnson had been shot by Floyd Lee Caulkins II, who had conflated an internship interview with a malicious plan. He had deceived security and brought deadly weapons, fully loaded magazines, and a peculiar stash of 15 Chick-fil-A sandwiches, which he believed would be used to defile the victim’s face.

“It was a particularly traumatic day for the staff,” Perkins recounted, detailing the bloodshed and chaos in the lobby. Having worked in law enforcement prior, he never anticipated facing such violence again in his life.

Caulkins was apprehended shortly after the assault and charged with multiple serious offenses, including armed terrorism and assault with intent to kill. He eventually pled guilty and is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence.

During his interrogation, Caulkins divulged that he had accessed the SPLC’s online list of groups it deemed anti-gay and performed what he described as “a little research.” This coincides with broader allegations against the SPLC, suggesting it may have mishandled funds intended to combat extremism.

Perkins believes that the SPLC had initially focused on legitimate threats like the KKK but shifted its strategy in the 1980s and 1990s, seeking relevance by targeting progressive adversaries. “It seems they democratized their fight against hate to include conservative groups, especially around the time of the marriage equality movement,” he argued. He expressed concern that the SPLC has exploited narratives of white supremacy for political gain.

He is adamant about not wanting the government to close the SPLC but hopes it can be mandated to provide restitution to those affected. Since the shooting, the FRC has invested significantly in security to protect its employees.

In response to a request for comment, the SPLC did not provide any statement. Meanwhile, Perkins, troubled by the financial disparities and potential misuse of donated funds, maintains that accountability is necessary.