James Von Brunn, a criminal mind

James Von Brunn was a man filled with hatred. His white supremacist views did not soften with age, in fact, they grew more violent, more prevalent, until the 88-year-old man opened fire amidst a crowd of people touring the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. With a history of racist views, a mind full of hate, and a .22 caliber rifle, James Von Brunn began firing as soon as he entered the museum, killing security guard Stephen T. Johns who worked for the museum for six years. James Von Brunn was shot in the head and is in critical condition; if he survives he is facing first-degree murder charges.

Authorities are investigating the crime and uncovering clues that reveal the criminal mind of James Von Brunn. A notebook has been discovered that shows the 88-year-old was possibly planning other attacks, though officials believe he was working alone and had no accomplices. Interviews with Von Brunn’s ex wife reveal a man who has been embittered with racism and hatred for decades. Detectives have been removing items from the Annapolis, Maryland apartment James Von Brunn shared periodically with relatives. James Von Brunn’s racist, white supremacist views were not a surprise, not to those who knew him and not to authorities that track hate groups.

Thirty years prior, Von Brunn was identified for associating with senior officials of the Neo-Nazi right; he was also employed for the Noontime Press, a publishing group that adamantly denies the Holocaust. If there were any question as to Von Brunn’s commitment to his views, his book, “Kill the Best Gentiles,” was evidence of his hatred towards Jews and African Americans, but his prior prison sentence was enough to identify Von Brunn as a dangerous man with a criminal, unstable mind.

In 1981, Von Brunn was convicted and served six years in prison for the attempted kidnapping of Federal Reserve members. Von Brunn believed the Federal Reserve was controlled and manipulated by Jews. James Von Brunn wasn’t quiet about his views, he displayed them proudly on his website “The Holy Western Empire.” A web site where Von Brunn espoused his conspiracy theories and beliefs, sold copies of his book, and solicited donations from like-minded white supremacists to help further the cause. Here is a quote from his book, “Kill the Best Gentiles.”

“Here is the grist underlying the JEWS’ goal to rule the world, garner its wealth, and enslave the Gentiles. It is the Luciferian credo, that is changing the United States into an ILLUMINATI-controlled non-White nation.”

Other examples of James Vonn Brunn’s criminal mind are also readily available on line through his essay entitled, “Hitler’s Worst Mistake,” in which Von Brunn closes his essay with the following conspiracy theorist tirade,

America is a Third-World racial garbage-dump — stupid, ignorant, dead-broke, and terminal.
Prepare to die, Whitey.
JVB-88

What might separate James Von Brunn from the stereotypical view of racists, is that James Von Brunn has many lifetime accomplishments. He is a member of Mensa, an organization for those with high IQs, and a decorated veteran who served in World War II, though he adamantly denies the Holocaust. According to his quickly removed website, Holy Western Empire, he holds a BachSci Journalism degree and worked for twenty years as an advertising executive as well as a New York City film producer. James Von Brunn described himself as an artist and author.

At a press conference held today, James Von Brunn was officially charged with murder. According to Joseph Persichini, the Assistant Director of the Washington FBI field office, the shooting is still under investigation and possible charges for domestic terrorism or  a hate crime may follow.
 

 FBI Press Conference Announcing Charges Against James Von Brunn

 James Von Brunn Criminal Complaint (PDF FORMAT)

Holocaust Memorial Museum

A Statement on the Holocaust Memorial Museum Website reads

The Museum expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support and messages of condolence we have received from our Museum community, President Obama, and concerned citizens and organizations across the country and around the world. Today our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Stephen Johns, who died heroically in the line of duty on June 10th protecting our visitors and staff. Despite our grief and outrage we will reopen our doors on Friday June 12, and every day after, with a renewed commitment to the urgency of our mission.

June 11, 2009