WASHINGTON (JTA) — The shooter in the attack on the U.S. Holocaust Museum has died.
James von Brunn, who shot and killed museum guard Stephen Tyrone Johns on June 10 during an attempted raid on the museum, died in a prison hospital Wednesday. He was 88 and died of natural causes.
Von Brunn was awaiting trial on possible death penalty charges in the federal prison in Butner, N.C., after recovering from being shot in the face by another guard.
Von Brunn had a long history of white supremacist and anti-Semitic writings.
The museum issued a statement memorializing Johns.
"The Museum’s thoughts and prayers continue to be with Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns’ family at this time," the statement said. "Officer Johns died heroically defending the Museum, visitors and staff. This tragedy is a powerful reminder that our cause of fighting hatred remains more urgent than ever."
