Von Brunn's son calls his father a coward

WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- Erik von Brunn apologized Friday to the son of the man his father allegedly killed at the Holocaust Museum in Washington and accused his father of "cowardice."

Von Brunn, 32, gave a statement to ABC News. He said he wished his father had died Wednesday and not Stephen Johns, the guard who was gunned down after opening the door for James von Brunn, 88, of Annapolis Md.

"It was unjustified and unfair that he died, and while my condolences could never begin to offer appeasement, they, along with my remorse is all I have to give," Erik von Brunn said.

James von Brunn remains in critical condition at a Washington hospital after being shot by other security guards. He faces a murder charge.

His father's views "destroyed our family," Erik von Brunn said. He had a warning for anyone who might admire his father.

"For the extremists who believe my father is a hero: it is imperative you understand what he did was an act of cowardice," the younger con Brunn said. "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."