Today an 88 year old white supremacist walked into the lobby of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and opened fire with a rifle. He shot a security guard before himself being shot by two other security guards. The security guard, Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns died of his wounds at the hospital. The shooter, Mr. James W. von Brunn also died at the hospital.
The one positive part of this story is the courage and swift action of the security guards at the museum. They quickly took the gunman down before anyone else could be shot. They got everyone inside safely out of the building and should be commended for that. As tragic as today is, the situation could have been much worse had it not been for them.
I will never be able to process senseless violence like we witnessed today. Two men are dead, and for what? One man's bigotry and hated led to an attack on a place constructed to combat those very feelings and actions. I am Jewish, therefore this attack take on a more personal feeling, but I am appalled by hatred of any kind inciting violence. We spend so much time on the "war on terror" it is easy to forget that we still have a problem with homegrown terrorist right here in America. Make no mistake, that is what this man was, a terrorist.
So all I ask is that everyone try to do their part to combat bigotry and hatred. People learn by example. The world needs more people showing tolerance, compassion, and civility towards each other. If people can make an effort on that, then the world will start to have less men and women like James von Brunn.
Also, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a true wonder. I visted there in 2006 and it was one of the most emotionally charged experiences I have ever had. They have done a wonderful job with this museum and it deserves everyone's support. If you are ever in D.C., please take part of your day and visit. It is a moving experience and well worth the visit. Their website is http://www.ushmm.org/ Please check them out.
