Holocaust Museum Shooting Elicits Response from UCC Leadership

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http://www.ucc.org/news/holocaust-museum-shooting.html?log-event=sp2f-view-item&nid=55918420

UCC leaders expressed astonishment and sorrow over the shooting that occurred today at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

CNN reports that two people, a private security guard and the suspect, were injured as gunfire erupted at the entrance to the building at 12:50 p.m. The guard later died from his injuries and the shooting suspect is in critical condition at George Washington University Hospital, according to Washington police officials and CNN affiliate WJLA.

“Members of the United Church of Christ are shocked and saddened by today’s violence outside the U.S. Holocaust Museum where a gunman opened fire – killing a guard, terrorizing visitors and having himself fired upon,” said the Rev. John H. Thomas, general minister and president. “We offer our prayers for those affected and our outrage that a peaceful memorial dedicated to human courage and understanding has been turned into a site of hatred and violence.”

“The near destruction of the Jewish communities of Europe experienced in the Holocaust is still a living memory for survivors, and is a defining historical episode for Jews and for many others as well,” said Thomas. “This attack on the Holocaust Museum will only heighten fears of increased anti-Semitic violence against Jews in our country. This is why we must stand with people of the Jewish faith in denouncing this brutal act.”

Law enforcement officials told CNN the shooting suspect is James von Brunn, an 88-year-old white supremacist from Maryland. Brunn served 6.5 years in federal prison for his 1981 armed attempt to place the Federal Reserve Board of Governors under arrest.

“This most recent act of hate violence is a sad reminder of the need for stronger hate crimes legislation,” said UCC Justice and Witness Ministries Washington office director Sandy Sorensen. “Hate crimes are meant to send a message of fear and terror to entire communities and require a serious response.”

The UCC is part of a coalition of faith-based, civil rights, civic, educational and professional organizations that are currently working to secure Senate passage of the Matthew Shepherd Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S. 909.) The House version of the bill was approved in April with bipartisan support.

Holocaust Museum Shooting Elicits Response from UCC Leadership

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