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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Museum Shooter: 'I Swore to Defend My Country'

Von Brunn was on suicide mission, prosecutor says

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(Newser) – James von Brunn planned to die himself when he opened fire at the Holocaust Museum in June, an assault he planned well in advance to spread the word that the Holocaust was a hoax, prosecutors say. Von Brunn, 89, appeared in court for the first time today to answer charges of killing a museum security guard. He spoke little but demanded a quick trial.

“The Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial,” said von Brunn. “As a US naval officer I swore to protect my country. I take my vows very seriously.” Though he survived, von Brunn was badly wounded in the firefight—he can't walk and has trouble speaking and hearing. Prosecutors said von Brunn made funeral plans before the assault, and the judge agreed to order a mental competency exam.

In this artist's drawing by Dana Verkouteren, James von Brunn, left, is seen with defense attorney A.J. Kramer in Washington, DC., on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.
In this artist's drawing by Dana Verkouteren, James von Brunn, left, is seen with defense attorney A.J. Kramer in Washington, DC., on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)
James von Brunn is seen in court in this artist's drawing by Dana Verkouteren in Washington, DC. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.
James von Brunn is seen in court in this artist's drawing by Dana Verkouteren in Washington, DC. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)
James von Brunn is seen in court in this artist's drawing by Dana Verkouteren in Washington, DC. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.
James von Brunn is seen in court in this artist's drawing by Dana Verkouteren in Washington, DC. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)
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20 comments
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EddyTeach
Sep 2, 09 5:07 PM CDT
I hope he lives to be 200. Reply
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+13
IN RESPONSE:
EddyTeach
Sep 2, 09 5:08 PM CDT
in jail, that is.
Vote up! Vote down!
+8
IN RESPONSE:
Jes
Sep 2, 09 5:34 PM CDT
I just hoe he dies and goes away with the minimum of impact on our country and it's dialogue.
Vote up! Vote down!
+5
IN RESPONSE:
riffran
Sep 3, 09 1:36 AM CDT
Eddy, that is a cruel fate....I like it!.. :) good idea
Vote up! Vote down!
0
youngblood
Sep 2, 09 5:43 PM CDT
He swore to defend his Country? WTF! How does he defend his Country shooting innocent people? What's his logic here? Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+10

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