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US lawmakers observe 12th anniversary of Oak Creek shooting
The fatal shooting that killed seven and wounded several others, is one of the deadliest violence against the Sikh community on US soil
Sikh temple of Wisconsin. / Hindu American Foundation
Indian American lawmakers paid tribute to the members of the Sikh community who were killed in a massacre at Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin, Milwaukee 12 years ago. On Aug. 5, 2012, a white supremacist opened fire, killing six and wounding four. A seventh victim died in 2020 from injuries he sustained from this shooting.
A statement issued on the anniversary by members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) conveyed condolences and urged the rejection of bigotry, the fight against racism, hate, and gun violence in the United States.
Sikh Americans, and all Americans, deserve to live, learn, worship, and play with a sense of safety.
— CAPAC (@CAPAC) August 5, 2024
CAPAC remains in solidarity with the Sikh American community as we push for comprehensive gun reform and take action against white supremacism and hate in all its forms. https://t.co/whqGIqBBqf
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said, “Today, as we remember the lives lost and impacted by this senseless act of violence, we must recommit ourselves to fighting hate, racism, and prejudice in all its forms, as well as ending the gun violence epidemic in America."
It is the collective responsibility of every American, according to Krishnamoorthi, to "make the United States a better and more tolerant country for people of all faiths and backgrounds," and the freedom of worship and practice of faith should not be violated.
"As we honor their memories, let us all recommit to fighting the scourge of bigotry and racism that we see directed at the AAPI community. On this difficult day, I send my prayers and strength to the Oak Creek community and Sikh communities across the country and stand with them in the battle against both hate and gun violence<" Rep. Pramila Jayapal said.
Representative Ro Khanna of California noted that the Sikh community was deeply affected by a senseless act of hate, bigotry, and violence. “As my CAPAC colleagues and I remember and grieve the six innocent lives lost, we are more committed than ever to pushing for transformative gun legislation. It is our duty as a nation to work together to remove weapons of war and ensure everyone is safe to worship without fear,” he said.
Rep.Shri Thanedar said, "As the Chair of the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain American Congressional Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that Sikhs and all other religious groups can practice their religion freely without fearing for their safety.”
Meanwhile, Majority Leader of the United States Senate, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer also conveyed his condolences in a post on X. "The deadly attack on Sikh Americans in a place of worship in Oak Creek, WI, 12 years ago was an attack on American values. I stand with the Sikh community as we #RememberOakCreek, honor the lives lost, pledge to fight hate, and continue to work to end gun violence in America," his post read.
The deadly attack on Sikh Americans in a place of worship in Oak Creek, WI, 12 years ago was an attack on American values.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 5, 2024
I stand with the Sikh community as we #RememberOakCreek, honor the lives lost, pledge to fight hate, and continue to work to end gun violence in America.
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