Washington, DC:
The Holocaust museum in Washington DC is a place where one goes to learn more about one of the most horrific chapters in human history. It is a museum built to commemorate the millions killed by the Nazis in World War II in Washington DC.
On Wednesday, its somber sanctity was shattered by the sounds of gunfire.
An 89-year-old man, now identified as James von Brunn, of Maryland entered the museum, armed with a rifle and opened fire, killing a security guard.
He was then shot and disarmed by other guards.
Brunn is believed to be an anti-Semitic World War II veteran with links to white supremacist groups.
Blocks away, at the White House, President Obama was being constantly updated.
"The White House Press Secretary informed him of the situation, gave him the details we had been given via the situation room. He asked about the condition of the security guard," said Robert Gibbs, White House Spokesperson.
The Holocaust museum is one of the most visited sites in Washington DC and like all public buildings in the capital it is heavily guarded. Wednesday's shooting took place just inside the front door by the metal detectors and the assailant was brought down at the entrance it self. That likely saved many lives.
On Wednesday, its somber sanctity was shattered by the sounds of gunfire.
An 89-year-old man, now identified as James von Brunn, of Maryland entered the museum, armed with a rifle and opened fire, killing a security guard.
He was then shot and disarmed by other guards.
Brunn is believed to be an anti-Semitic World War II veteran with links to white supremacist groups.
Blocks away, at the White House, President Obama was being constantly updated.
"The White House Press Secretary informed him of the situation, gave him the details we had been given via the situation room. He asked about the condition of the security guard," said Robert Gibbs, White House Spokesperson.
The Holocaust museum is one of the most visited sites in Washington DC and like all public buildings in the capital it is heavily guarded. Wednesday's shooting took place just inside the front door by the metal detectors and the assailant was brought down at the entrance it self. That likely saved many lives.
