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Holocaust Museum will open late in honor of slain officer
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U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. will be open from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, June 19 so Museum staff, volunteers and Wackenhut Security Services employees can attend funeral services for Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, the 39-year-old guard who was killed while protecting Museum visitors and staff on Wednesday, June 10.
Witnesses reported Officer Johns was kind enough to open the door for the elderly man who entered the Museum last Wednesday. Moments later, the elderly man is accused of lowering his gun and opening fire on Officer Johns. Other Museum officers returned fire, and shots were exchanged until the gunman was struck.
James Von Brunn's ex-wife stated in a later interview that racism 'ate him alive.'
After the shooting, the Museum's Web site posted a statement honoring Officer Johns:
There are no words to express our grief and shock over the loss of a cherished friend and exemplary colleague, who served as a Special Police Officer at the Museum for six years. He was a dedicated professional whose outgoing personality and warm smile will be deeply missed by his Museum family.
In honor of Officer Johns, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was closed Thursday, June 11. It reopened last Friday.
On its Web site, the Museum states its purpose: "a living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum stimulates leaders and citizens to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity, and strengthen democracy."
Since its dedication in 1993, the Museum has opened its doors to more than 30 million visitors.
The Museum will open it doors a little later on Friday, June 19, so staff and visitors can honor the life, service and memory of Officer Johns, one who confronted hatred and paid the ultimate price.
If you have June 19 advance passes for the Museum's Permanent Exhibition, the Museum will honor passes on June 19, from 3-7 p.m. or any day after June 19.
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