Stephen Tyrone Johns was 39 and a Special Police Officer at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum when he was killed on June 10, 2009. Known for a warm smile and gentle nature, he had protected the museum for six years. Just before 1 p.m., as the museum was busy with visitors and schoolchildren, Johns held the door open for 88-year-old James Wenneker von Brunn. Von Brunn raised a .22 caliber rifle and shot Johns. Fellow officers returned fire, wounding von Brunn and preventing further loss of life. Johns was taken to a nearby hospital but died of his wounds.

The museum closed temporarily and lowered flags to half-staff after the shooting. The institution also established the Stephen Tyrone Johns Summer Youth Leadership Program in his memory.

If anyone knew Stephen or has information about his life and service, please share what can help preserve his memory.