CAPAC Members Observe the 11th Anniversary of the Oak Creek Gurdwara Shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, shooting at a Sikh gurdwara where six people were fatally shot and four injured by a White supremacist gunman. A seventh victim died in 2020 from injuries he sustained from this shooting.
In observance of the anniversary, CAPAC Members released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Today, we solemnly remember the victims of a mass shooting that took place 11 years ago at an Oak Creek gurdwara. We honor the victims, their loved ones, the Oak Creek Sikh American community, and Sikh communities across the country—whose lives were forever impacted by a white supremacist’s hate.
“Every American deserves to feel safe at home, school, or place of worship. Today, and every day, I am committed to preventing future tragedies by passing commonsense gun reform and declaring that hate, racism, and xenophobia in any form have no place in our houses of worship or anywhere in our country.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“11 years ago, Oak Creek, Wisconsin experienced a horrific act of violence when a white supremacist attacked innocent Sikh Americans in their place of worship. Today, we stand together as a nation, commemorating the lives lost, united under the conviction that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, deserve to feel safe in this country we are proud to call home. Diversity is our strength, and we must honor the lives of the victims by reaffirming ourselves to this principle.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“Eleven years ago, a white supremacist killed six individuals and injured four more at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in a horrific act of violence. Today, we honor the lives of those lost by recommitting ourselves to the fight against gun violence and all forms of hate and bigotry. The Oak Creek community has united in the years since this tragedy, striving to promote hope and unity. I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues as we follow their lead.”
Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11):
“Today, we remember the tragedy at Oak Creek Gurdwara. As we stand up against these violent acts, it is critical that we work as a country to build a better more accepting society. The diversity of this nation is what makes us great, and as we remember the anniversary of the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting we reestablish our commitment to ousting hate and bigotry, and protecting our communities from senseless acts of violence.”