The 89-year-old white supremacist accused of killing a security guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said he didn’t need a psychology evaluation and demanded a speedy trial.
James von Brunn tried to interrupt his attorney A.J. Kramer, who asked that his client be evaluated for competency.
He swallowed and shook his head. “Your honor, your Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial,” von Brunn said in a halting voice. “I’m a United States citizen and as a U.S. naval officer I swore to protect my country. I take my vows very seriously.”
The hearing was von Brunn’s first appearance since the June 10 shooting that killed security guard Stephen T. Johns. The alleged killer was wheeled into U.S. District Court in D.C. in a wheelchair. He had not been able to face his charges because he was recovering from a bullet wound to the face during the shooting near the National Mall.
U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton denied von Brunn’s request and ordered the competency evaluation and delayed his arraignment. His next hearing is set for Oct. 14. Von Brunn was ordered to remain in jail while he awaited trial.
Von Brunn has been indicted on seven counts, including for first-degree murder, hate crimes and weapons charges. He faces the death penalty if convicted on four of the charges.
Prosecutors said von Brunn, of Annapolis, pulled up his red Hyundai in front of the museum and walked to the entrance, where Johns opened the door for him. The elderly man allegedly pulled out a rifle and started shooting, striking 39-year-old Johns in the chest before other guards returned fire and wounded him.
Inside the car, prosecutor said, von Brunn left a note: “Jews captured America’s money. Jews control the mass media.”
Prosecutors said von Brunn was on a suicide mission and had made plans for his funeral.
It’s not von Brunn’s first time in federal court. In 1983, he was sentenced in a plot to kidnap members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, but was stopped outside a board meeting carrying a duffle bag full of weapons. He served six years in prison.
The Associated Press was used in this report.
