Museum Shooting Suspect In Court

WASHINGTON - - The elderly white supremacist accused of killing a guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in June had planned the attack for months and was on a suicide mission, a federal prosecutor said in court Wednesday. The disclosure came during a brief hearing in the district's federal court during which the suspect, James W. von Brunn, spoke publicly for the first time since the June10 shooting.

"The Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial," von Brunn, 89, said in a halting voice. Wearing a blue jail uniform, he appeared frail and sat quietly in a wheelchair.

Von Brunn is accused of killing security guard Stephen T. Johns, 39, after he held open the door for Von Brunn so he could enter the museum near the National Mall. Other guards returned fire, wounding von Brunn in the head.

Von Brunn has not been able to walk since the shooting and has difficulty speaking and hearing, his attorney, A.J. Kramer, said in court.

During the court proceedings, prosecutors urged U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton to detain von Brunn pending trial. Walton granted the request.

For the first time, prosecutors also explained von Brunn's alleged motives. A longtime white supremacist, he wanted to "send a message to the Jewish community" that the Holocaust was a hoax, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Waid said. "He wanted to be a martyr for his cause," she said.

Walton ordered that von Brunn undergo a mental competency exam and deferred an arraignment until tests are completed. He scheduled a hearing for Oct.14.