Politicians Speak Out in Reaction to Holocaust Memorial Museum Attack

Congressman Keith Ellison

Calls for more Vigilance toward Home Grown Terrorism

Washington, D.C. -- "I join with millions of Americans to send my condolences to the loved ones of Stephen T. John, who was murdered on duty yesterday in the lobby of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. I commend the security officers for their quick response which undoubtedly saved more lives. While the facts are still coming in, I am appalled by reports that the gunman was motivated by racist views against Jews and African Americans.

This is the third high-profile gun crime in the United States in recent weeks fueled by hatred and armed by lax gun laws. The assassination of Doctor George Tiller at his church in Kansas shocked us all about the dangers of extremists who use violence and terror to advance their causes. Then there was the heartbreaking story of the military recruiter randomly murdered in Little Rock by a man who said that he was angry about the killing of Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless of political views, violent acts of hatred like these are never justifiable.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently issued a warning about new signs of home grown terrorism. I encourage law enforcement to continue its effort to focus on reasonable suspicion and not demographic factors like race, religion and other immutable considerations. They should instead do what's prudent and reasonable -- within the law -- to protect the public by preventing these horrific acts of hatred from happening again."

Honors Life of Slain HolocaustMuseum Guard on House Floor

Washington D.C. – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement today after speaking on the House floor to honor the life and memory of Stephen Tyrone Johns, the security guard killed in the line of duty during the attack at the HolocaustMemorial Museum:

“Yesterday’s attack at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that took the life of Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns is a sad and tragic reminder that racism and anti-Semitism are alive in America.

“The perpetrator of this heinous assault had a history of connections with White Supremacist organizations and racist activities. If not for Officer John’s bravery and quick-thinking many more lives could have been lost.

“A security officer for six years at theHolocaust Memorial Museum and resident ofMaryland, Officer Johns was beloved by his family and friends.

“American’s grieve along with Officer Johns’ family at this murder based on the vilest kind of hatred. It is with a very heavy heart that we extend my deepest condolences to the family of Officer Stephen T. Johns.”