World

Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, Holocaust Museum guard, dies

by Amy Judd | June 10, 2009 at 12:15 pm

2364 views | 48 Recommendations | 11 comments

Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, the security guard who was shot at the Holocaust Memorial Museum this morning has died of his injuries in hospital.

He was 39 years old.

It is believed he was shot by James Wenneker Von Brunn, when he walked in to the museum and opened fire on the guard. Von Brunn is in critical condition.

Authorities say that Von Brunn fired at Stephen Tyrone Johns, hitting him, and it was at that point that two other security guards fired upon Von Brunn, hitting him.

A statement was issued today:

"Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns died heroically in the line of duty today," a late-afternoon museum statement said.

The museum will be closed tomorrow in memory to Johns.

The targeted security guard and two others fired back, wounding the gunman. One security guard was also wounded; he was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where he died from his injuries, high level D.C. police sources told ABC 7's Jennifer Donelan.

Stephen Tyrone Johns was taken to George Washington University Hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.

People that were visiting the museum at the time said that they heard gunshots and people yelling 'hit the floor' and then they were told to evacuate the building.
The shooting occurred at about 12:50pm today.

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

kate

at 13:21 on June 10th, 2009

That poor guy. That's terrible.

Pythiian1

at 15:01 on June 10th, 2009

Condolence to Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns's family.

Anna N. (not verified)

at 16:30 on June 10th, 2009

Rest in peace, you shall not be forgotten.

bob23bob (not verified)

at 16:37 on June 10th, 2009

To this true hero: rest in peace. To his family and friends: much strength in dealing with your loss. Please realize that he gave the ultimate sacrifice: his life in order to save the ones of others.

Atlanta Security Guard (not verified)

at 19:09 on June 10th, 2009

As a provider of contract security guards in Atlanta, I feel so sorry for the victim of this crime. Security guards are often ridiculed, but they provide the first line of defense. This man died while in duty. Condolences to his family and all security guards killed in the line of duty.

albertacowpoke

at 19:29 on June 10th, 2009

This is a sad result of a sick crime. May Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns rest in piece. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Paschen

at 20:02 on June 10th, 2009

Sorry for him and his family and friends.

Guns need to be outlawed and those hate mongers need to be treated with more severity.

tOklah (not verified)

at 05:09 on June 11th, 2009

It is unfortunate that even our museum and school guards are now on the 'front line'. In my opinion, he is just as much as hero as those who die in Iraq every day. He deserves a medal.

My condolences to his family in this time of crisis.

Janet Douglas (not verified)

at 05:32 on June 11th, 2009

My prayers and condolences go out to the family of Mr. Johns. May you be conforted in knowing that his death was an honorable one, and that he did not die in vain. He gave his life so that others may live. God bless you Mr. Stephen Tyrone Johns.

THuxtable (not verified)

at 12:20 on June 11th, 2009

To the John's family may you know that you are in the prayers of a lot of people across this great country... May you find peace in knowing that Officer Johns gave his life as an American Hero... God Bless...