'Act of cowardice' says museum shooter James von Brunn's son....

Jacqueline Carter 60, the mother of Stephen Johns who was murdered working as a security guard at the Holocaust Museum by James Von Brunn in Washington DC.

The son of the bigot who stormed the U.S. Holocaust Museum issued an apology yesterday to the family of slain guard Stephen Johns - and he called his father's actions "unforgivable."

Erik von Brunn said father James von Brunn's racist and anti-Semitic views had tormented his family.

"His views consumed him, and in doing so, not only destroyed his life, but destroyed our family and ruined our lives as well," he wrote in a statement obtained by ABC News.

"For a long time, I believed this was our family's cross to bear. Now, it is not only my families' lives that are in shambles, but those who were directly affected by his actions, especially the family of Mr. Johns, who bravely sacrificed his life to stop my father."

The son had a message for those who sympathize with his dad: "What he did was an act of cowardice."

"To physically force your beliefs onto others with violence is not brave, but bullying. Doing so only serves to prove how weak those beliefs are. It is simply desperation, reminiscent of a temper tantrum when a child cannot get his way."

His expression of remorse came as Johns' widow paused from her mourning to scribble some wrenching words in his memory.

"Steve was my husband and my best friend," Zakiah Johns wrote in a message that was passed on to the Daily News. "He was my everything. We were so happy and loved each other unconditionally. I love you, baby!"

Hundreds of people defied the haters yesterday by returning to the museum, but the men who were closest to the 39-year-old guard - and who critically wounded the 88-year-old gunman - were not with them.

Security guards Harry Weeks and Jason McCuiston took time off to mourn their fallen friend.

"He was a good officer," said Weeks. "A real gentle man. It's so hard to believe that he's gone."

McQuiston, who was visiting Weeks, said they used to talk about the museum being a lightning rod for anti-Semites. "It is a target, even though people don't think of it that way," McCuiston said.

Von Brunn, who is charged with murder and using a firearm on federal property, faces the death penalty if he's convicted. He remains in critical condition after being shot in the face.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/06/13/2009-06-13_son_of_museum_...