CAPAC Members Observe Anniversary of Oak Creek Gurdwara Shooting
Washington, D.C. – Today marks the eighth anniversary of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin shooting during which a white supremacist opened fire at a Sikh gurdwara and killed six people. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Eight years after the horrific murder of six Sikh Americans in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, we continue to remember the lives that were needlessly lost due to white supremacy and gun violence. Today, as our nation continues to grapple with systemic racism and inequality, it is more important than ever that we recommit ourselves to rejecting hate and intolerance in all forms. Whether it is a gurdwara in Oak Creek, a church in Charleston, a synagogue in Pittsburgh, or a Walmart in El Paso, an attack on any racial or religious community is an attack on us all. These acts of domestic terrorism do not reflect our values as a nation, and we must denounce violence and hatred wherever they arise.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:
“Eight years ago, six innocent Sikh Americans viciously lost their lives in a tragic shooting in their place of worship in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. We are reminded of the everlasting impact of that day, as Sikh priest Baba Punjab Singh passed away this March, rightly ruled a homicide due to his paralyzing injuries from the Oak Creek shooting. On this anniversary, let us honor the—now seven—lives lost and come together to reject bigotry, hate, racism, and xenophobia, to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, or country of origin, feel safe in the country we call home.”
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:
“Eight years ago, six innocent lives were lost after a white supremacist opened fire at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. It was a despicable act of hatred and violence. Today, on the anniversary of this tragic event, we honor the lives lost and recommit ourselves to fighting bigotry in all its forms.”
Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“The dual epidemics of white supremacism and gun violence have torn apart families and communities across this country. 8 years ago today, the Sikh community was ravaged by that pain in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Together, my CAPAC colleagues and I will continue to push for transformative change to our gun laws, get weapons of war off our streets, and work to ensure that all places of worship are safe from discrimination and hate crimes.”
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08):
“As we continue to stand up against bigotry and racism today, we remember the tragedy at Oak Creek Gurdwara eight years ago. That day we lost six Sikh-Americans to a senseless act of violence as they prayed together as a community. We remember their lives as we strive to make the United States a better, more tolerant and accepting society. Especially as we currently face a global pandemic and economic crisis, we must never let our fears or prejudices cloud our judgement and actions. We are in this together. The United States is proud to be a diverse nation where the kind of religious intolerance that took place at Oak Creek Gurdwara has no place. By remembering the anniversary of Oak Creek Gurdwara Shooting, we recommit ourselves to the ideals of acceptance, equality, and mutual respect.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“Eight years ago, six lives were lost during a shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. As we remember the victims of this horrific attack motivated by hate and bigotry, we must recommit ourselves to the fight against racism, xenophobia, and gun violence in our country. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to address violence against Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities, while also continuing to urge the Senate to pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. These acts of violence and hate are not reflective of our country’s values and we must work to end them.”
Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):
“The shooting at the Oak Creek Gurudwara in Wisconsin eight years ago today reminds us that bigotry begets violence. Over the past few years, we have seen an alarming rise in hate crimes and a deliberate targeting of religious minorities and people of color, including Sikh-Americans, across the country. We will not forget the worshippers that were lost that day, nor can we ever lose sight of our fundamental values of equality for all. Our duty as a nation is to stand up to violence and hatred wherever it may arise.”
Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03):
“Eight years ago, a white supremacist domestic terrorist murdered six innocent people at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin because of who they were. In a country that was founded on the principle of freedom of religion, this abhorrent act of violence is an insult to who we are as a nation. Today, we honor those who lost their lives on that day, but we are reminded that the struggle against white supremacy, domestic terrorism, and gun violence is far from over. Defeating these scourges will require all of us to stand together and fight them wherever they may be.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):
“Eight years ago, six Sikh-Americans were killed in an unimaginable act of violence and hatred at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. No one should have to fear for their lives – especially in their place of worship – and this horrific attack is a solemn reminder that we must continue to stand up against white supremacy and gun violence. Xenophobia and bigotry have no place in this country, and we must honor them by continuing to embrace our ideals of tolerance, equality, and the right to worship peacefully for people of all faiths. My prayers remain with the Oak Creek community, and I recommit to ending gun violence, hatred, and discrimination in all forms.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.