Reps. Judy Chu and John Garamendi, Co-Chairs of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus Remember Oak Creek Shooting on Sikh Community
Washington, DC – Two years ago today, an armed gunman opened fire at a Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, claiming six innocent lives and injuring several others. As co-chairs of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA), released the following statement:
“The tragedy in Oak Creek was experienced by one community in Wisconsin but felt by every community around the country. The Sikh community will never forget how, while preparing for Sunday prayer, their peace was shattered. And neither can we,” said Rep. Chu. “We must remember the tragedy, but we must also confront it. The violence of August 5, 2012 was born from bigotry and prejudice, which are poisons to our society. As we mark this solemn day and remember the six lives lost, we must work to end discrimination so that more communities like Oak Creek will not have to suffer hateful acts based on the intolerance of others. Such intolerance should have no home in our nation.”
“Two years ago, a bigoted terrorist murdered six innocent Americans and forever altered the lives of their family, friends, and loved ones. We must stamp out this hate from all corners of our nation,” said Congressman Garamendi. “We must also remember and promote the remarkable love that has shone through the darkness of that day: the Oak Creek Temple congregants who prepared langar, a free community meal for all visitors to the Gurdwara, regardless of their background; the valor of Sikhs and non-Sikhs in fending off the attacker; the candle-light vigils held in honor of the victims and to stand in solidarity with the Sikh community; and the increased effort of law enforcement and other groups to combat hate crimes and promote a more tolerant, peaceful society.”
The anniversary of Oak Creek comes just days after a Sikh man in Ozone Park, Queens was put into critical condition by a hit-and-run driver who reportedly screamed racial slurs.
The American Sikh Congressional Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), David Valadeo (R-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), and Patrick Meehan (R-PA). Comprised of 42 bi-partisan Members of Congress, the Caucus seeks to educate Members and the general public about Sikh issues and support the Sikh American community.
The co-chairs recently introduced H.Res. 698, a Resolution to honor the memory of the victims of the Oak Creek tragedy and mark its second anniversary. The language of the resolution can be found here.