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'Gentle Giant' Mourned After Museum Shooting

'Outstanding' guard hailed as a hero

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 11, 2009 1:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – Colleagues at the National Holocaust Museum remember slain security guard Stephen Johns as unfailingly courteous and friendly, the Washington Post reports. The 39-year-old guard was killed in the line of duty yesterday when a gunman walked into the museum and opened fire. "There are no words to express our grief and shock over these events," said a statement from the museum.

Authorities say Johns and his fellow guards behaved courageously when white supremacist James Von Brunn began shooting. "Never take your guard force or your security people for granted," said the museum's chief of staff. "They did exactly what they were supposed to do." Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the museum, which will be closed today in Johns' honor.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this image provided by the US Holocaust Museum, museum guard Stephen T. Johns, is seen. Johns was killed yesterday when an elderly gunman opened fire at the museum. (AP Photo/U.S. Holocaust Museum)

The American flag is lowered to half staff outside the US Holocaust Museum after yesterday's shooting. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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We have lost a courageous security guard who stood watch at this place of solemn remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this painful time.
- President Barack Obama

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

Fondue

Jun 11, 2009 12:51 PM CDT

Steven Johns is a hero and will always be remembered for his selfless actions.

oldgoat

Jun 11, 2009 8:08 AM CDT

Seems like the nutjobs are starting to come out from under their rocks. Then after their deed they want to complain about their treatment and how they aren't getting what they need. I just wish that the other guards had been either better shots or had more bullets.

riffran

Jun 11, 2009 7:05 AM CDT

my condolences to the family of that gentleman...such a shame

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US • Crime & Courts

Holocaust Museum • security guards • anti-Semitism • National Holocaust Museum • James Von Brunn • Stephen Johns

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'Gentle Giant' Mourned After Museum Shooting