As we look back on a week of tragedy at the Holocaust Museum we see what hate can do to destroy lives. Not only was a hard working Black man killed, he was also a loving father. It hurt my heart to listen to officer Stephen John's 11 year old son talk about the great dad he lost. This young boy's visible pain brought back vivid memories for me 47 years ago when at the age of six my own mother told me my dad had died. All children need their father.
And then there is the 32 year old son Erik von Brunn of the white supremacist killer. He tells below what life was like growing up in a home full of hate.
Museum shooter's son condemns father's actions- Michelle Basch, WTOP Radio
The man charged with murdering a security guard at the Holocaust Museum this week remains hospitalized in critical condition, but his son is speaking out.
Erik von Brunn, 32, says the shooting was an unforgivable act of cowardice. In a written statement, the son apologized to the family of the murdered security guard, special officer Stephen Johns.
The younger von Brunn tells ABC News his father's white supremacist beliefs "destroyed our family and ruined our lives as well."
James von Brunn, 88, is charged with first degree murder for Wednesday's shooting.
Investigators say the weapon used to kill the guard was a 22-caliber Winchester rifle made between 1908 and 1928, before records of gun purchases were kept.
A memorial will be held Saturday for the slain guard, Stephen Tyrone Johns.
The public service starts at 11 a.m. at the 7th Day Adventist Church at 727 West Montgomery Avenue Rockville, Md.
A scholarship drive is being launched for Tyrone Johns Jr., the guards son.
The below information appears on American Jewish Committee's Website:
The American Jewish Committee’s Washington DC chapter has established a memorial fund for Stephen Tyrone Johns, who was killed in the line of duty at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
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In light of the tragic shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, AJC has created a fund for the family of Officer Stephen T. Johns who bravely gave his life protecting others as well as the peaceful values that the museum embodies. This horrific event reminds us that AJC’s fight against intolerance and extremism are as critical as ever, and it is essential that we respond swiftly in the wake of tragedy. Please join us in honoring the life and bravery of Officer Johns and consider making a donation to this fund. |
The local chapter of the American Jewish Committee and Johns' employer, Wackenhut Services, are also establishing memorial funds.
You To can donate here. I just donated $100. Any amount will help this young boys future.
We are all our brother's keeper.
Dear Charles,
AJC thanks you on behalf of the family of Officer Stephen T. Johns who bravely gave his life protecting others as well as the peaceful values that the museum embodies. This horrific event reminds us that AJC’s fight against intolerance and extremism are as critical as ever, and it is essential that we respond swiftly in the wake of tragedy.
Thank you,
Melanie B. Maron
Executive Director
American Jewish Committee, Washington Chapter
1156 15th Street NW, Suite 1201
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 785-5475 (202) 785-0390 fax
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