KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Edgar Maddison Welch, the man convicted in the 2016 “Pizzagate” shooting incident, was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in Kannapolis on January 4, authorities confirmed.
According to the Kannapolis Police Department, officers pulled over a gray 2001 GMC Yukon on North Cannon Boulevard around 10 p.m. after recognizing the vehicle’s passenger, Welch, 36, as having an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
As officers attempted to arrest Welch, he reportedly drew a handgun from his jacket and pointed it at officers. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Welch did not comply. Officers Brooks Jones and Caleb Tate then fired their weapons, striking Welch.
Welch was initially taken to Atrium Health Cabarrus for treatment before being transferred to Atrium Health Charlotte, where he died from his injuries on January 6. No officers or other vehicle occupants were injured.
Welch gained national attention in 2016 when he fired an assault rifle inside a Washington, D.C., pizzeria while investigating a false conspiracy theory known as “Pizzagate.” He was sentenced to four years in federal prison and had been released prior to this incident.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent review of the shooting, in line with department policy to ensure transparency and accountability.