Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009

Statement on the Shooting at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

June 10, 2009

I am shocked and saddened by today's shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This outrageous act reminds us that we must remain vigilant against anti-Semitism and prejudice in all its forms. No American institution is more important to this effort than the Holocaust Museum and no act of violence will diminish our determination to honor those who were lost by building a more peaceful and tolerant world.

Today we have lost a courageous security guard who stood watch at this place of solemn remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this painful time.

NOTE: The statement referred to security officer Stephen T. Johns.

Categories: Statements by the President : U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, shooting.

Locations: Washington, DC.

Names: Johns, Stephen T.

Subjects: Civil rights : Minorities :: Anti-Semitism; District of Columbia : U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, shooting.

DCPD Number: DCPD200900452.