Alleged Comet Ping Pong Shooter Faces 35 Years in Prison if Convicted: Report

WASHINGTON, DC — The man who is accused of walking into a D.C pizza joint and opening fire is reportedly facing a penalty of up to 35 years in prison if convicted, even though no one was hurt in the incident.

The Washingtonian reports that a federal grand jury indicted Edgar Maddison Welch, who pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the Dec. 4 shooting at the pizzeria. Police say Welch was "self-investigating" a fake conspiracy theory about a child sex ring run by Hillary Clinton through the restaurant, a hoax that is being spread by supporters of Donald Trump who believe the rumors.

A federal judge has ordered that Welch remain jailed until his trial. He faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and interstate transportation of a firearm after walking into the restaurant and firing at least one shot before surrendering peacefully to police.

The "PizzaGate" hoax continues to have a wide following online among Trump supporters, and it has resulted in constant threats and harassment against owner James Alefantis and his employees. The restaurant, which is located in the Friendship Heights neighborhood in Northwest, has even hired a private security guard.

Welch, a 28-year-old from North Carolina, was reportedly armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. No one was hurt in the shooting. Welch allegedly surrendered when he couldn't find any evidence of PizzaGate at the restaurant.

Welch's next appearance in court will be on Friday morning for a plea hearing.

You can find the indictment here.

Image via Flickr user Elizabeth Murphy