WASHINGTON — The head of a conservative lobbying group where a security guard was shot is calling for an end to “reckless rhetoric” he blames for the attack.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins says the suspect was “given a license” to shoot an unarmed man by organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center. The center describes the council as a hate group and says it defames gays and lesbian.

The suspect, Floyd Lee Corkins II, is charged with assault with intent to kill and bringing firearms across state lines. Authorities say he walked into the council’s lobby Wednesday and criticized its politics before shooting and wounding the guard.

Corkins appeared Thursday in federal court. A judge ordered him held without bond.