[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONDEMNING SHOOTING AT U.S. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

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                               speech of

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 2009

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, when a crazed and racist gunman takes the life 
of an innocent museum guard there are no words to fully convey both our 
shock and sorrow. But disgust with this act of violence and great 
sympathy for the loved ones of Stephen Johns are nonetheless our 
nation's response to yesterday's senseless and ugly act of violence. 
While we cannot undo the despicable crime of a racist murderer, I want 
to express my deep condolences to the family and friends of Stephen 
Johns, the 39-year-old guard who gave his life in the line of duty at 
the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum this past Wednesday.
  The shots of an anti-Semitic gunman have tragically ended the life of 
Mr. Johns, but no gunman can silence the truth of history enshrined in 
the Holocaust Memorial Museum here in Washington, D.C. When Stephen 
Johns lost his life to the bullet of an anti-Semite on Wednesday he was 
joining the hallowed ranks of those before him who stood in the way of 
hatred and violence against Jews.
  This nation will never tolerate the violence and hatred of anti-
Semitism and we will preserve the memory of people like Stephen Johns 
who refused to give an inch to the forces of hatred. We must never 
allow the sort of racist misinformation and twisted, violent lies that 
apparently led a gunman down a violent path to gain credence here in 
America. I pray that this criminal is swiftly brought to justice for 
this senseless act.
  Mr. Johns' fellow museum guards who prevented this tragedy from 
turning into an even deadlier event also deserve great praise. Their 
skill, bravery and professionalism no doubt saved lives during 
yesterday's shooting. My hope is that thanks to their bravery and the 
dedicated work of the many employees and volunteers at the Holocaust 
Museum that many millions of Americans will continue to be exposed to 
the story of the Holocaust. One gunman cannot stop the educational 
mission of this museum to ensure that acts of genocide like the 
Holocaust do not happen again.

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