Shots Fired at DC Holocaust Museum

MoonHowler

Initial Report:

A security guard has been shot at the Holocaust Museum by a gunman. Information is still coming in that at least 2 people have been shot, one is law enforcement.

That area of DC has been sealed off. Rumors are circulating that the gunman is in custody.

Is there any end to hate crimes? A doctor, a soldier, who else will be mowed down because some people feel they have the right to take matters into their own hands.

More information as the story unfolds…

Update:  According to DC police, 2 people have been transported to Georgetown Hospital in serious condition.

Update 2: The alleged shooter has been identified as James Von Brunn. He is an anti-Semite and has been convicted of crimes related to his white supremist beliefs. There some confusion about his age at this point. If he is who police believe him to be, he is a WWII veteran and is quite elderly.

The gunman is in critical condition. The security guard is in grave condition.

This act seems to be terrorism and a hate crime at this point.

First Confirmed Case of Swine Flu in Prince William County Schools

Alanna

Press Release from Prince William County Schools concerning a confirmed case of the swine flu.

Also, interesting is the World Health Organization (WHO) Update which tabluates the number of people infected and the deaths per country.

Case of H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Confirmed
Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Early Tuesday evening PWCS received notification of a confirmed case of the H1N1 Virus, otherwise known as “Swine Flu” involving a West Gate Elementary School student. The student is recovering at home and will not return to school until cleared by a doctor.

Our School Division has been in frequent contact with local and state health officials regarding this particular case, in accordance with established PWCS guidelines. We are closely monitoring the situation and are utilizing the guidance of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). All appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the health of all of our students and staff.

While the spread of the virus from person-to-person continues throughout the United States, the severity of the virus does not appear to be any more severe than seasonal flu. The new guidance from the CDC does not recommend closing a school unless there is significant faculty or student absenteeism which would interfere with the school’s ability to function. School Division officials will work closely with local and state health officials to monitor the situation and determine if our response needs to change. This could include the future possibility that a school may need to close.

Parents are asked to continue to monitor their children for any of the symptoms of influenza, which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. If your child is experiencing any symptoms which you are concerned about, please contact your child’s healthcare provider.

This is a good opportunity to remind everyone regarding simple steps that you can take to keep your family healthy. These include:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Clean hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs
  • Avoid close contact with those who have symptoms of flu
  • If you need to seek care for you or your child, please call ahead to your health care provider’s office and tell them what symptoms you have, so they can see you quickly and prevent exposing other people in the waiting room.

    • Parents are encouraged to report the reason for their child’s absence to the school. It is very important, during a health situation such as this, to have accurate information about absences.

    The health and safety of our students and staff is always of the utmost importance. Please refer to the PWCS web site at pwcs.edu or the VDH web site at www.vdh.virginia.gov for more information and for helpful resources regarding the H1N1 Virus.

    Questions and answers about swine flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    World Health Organization (WHO) Update