from capac



AUGUST 5 -- Washington, D.C. — Today marks the ninth anniversary of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin shooting during which a white supremacist opened fire at a Sikh gurdwara, killing six people and wounding four others. A seventh victim died in 2020 because of injuries he sustained from this shooting. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:


Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“A Sikh gurdwara is a place of peace and openness, where entire communities are invited to come together to share a meal at a langar. That is what makes the hateful violence at the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek nine years ago today especially painful. Today we remember and honor the seven victims of this domestic terror attack and rededicate ourselves to the values of peace and openness that characterize the Sikh religion. We must also finally reject the white supremacy, xenophobia, and bigotry that continue to fan the flames of hate and put more lives at risk, while taking action to end the gun violence that allows attackers to make their hatred fatal. Every American, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, deserves to feel safe at home and in their own community. That is what the Sikh community stands for and by ensuring we live up to these values, we can defeat the hatred that inspired this horrific attack.”


Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“Nine years ago, the lives of six innocent worshipers were taken in a senseless act of hate and violence at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, WI. These worshipers were targeted simply because of their religious identity, a pattern that is all too common in the Sikh Community. As we continue to grieve with the victims' families and the Sikh community, we must reaffirm our commitment to combatting hate and intolerance wherever it exists.”


Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“I join my colleagues as we remember and honor the lives lost in the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting. We must continue to denounce these senseless killings rooted in xenophobia and bigotry and enact policies to protect all Americans from gun violence and racism.”


Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“In the nine years since a white supremacist took six beautiful lives and wounded four other loved ones as they worshiped at their gurdwara in Oak Creek, we have only continued to witness an abhorrent rise in hate, violence, and discrimination aimed at the AAPI community. This difficult day, I'm sending strength to those throughout our country as I renew my commitment to stopping hate against the Sikh community, taking on white supremacy, and ending gun violence all across America.”


Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Oak Creek shooting in Wisconsin where six lives were lost at a Sikh temple. Today, we honor and remember the lives of the victims in this horrific attack motivated by prejudice and bigotry. We must recommit to fighting xenophobia, racism, and gun violence across our country. These acts of violence do not reflect our country’s values and I remain committed to supporting and addressing harm perpetrated against the Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities. Now more than ever, we need comprehensive gun control and to combat racism and bigotry towards communities of color.”


Congresswoman Katherine Clarke (MA-05):

“The shooting at the Oak Creek Gurudwara in Wisconsin nine years ago today reminds us that bigotry begets violence. Over the past few years, we have seen an alarming rise in hate crimes and white supremacy, and a deliberate targeting of religious minorities and people of color, including Sikh-Americans. We will not forget the worshippers who were lost that day, nor can we ever lose sight of our fundamental values of equality and justice for all. Our duty as a nation is to stand up to violence and hatred wherever it may arise.”


Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04):

“Today, on the ninth anniversary of the Oak Creek gurdwara shooting, I’m standing with my CAPAC colleagues to remember the lives of the six Sikh Americans who lost their lives that day. As we look back on this tragic act of domestic terror, we must recommit ourselves to combating hate, injustice, and discrimination in all forms. The pandemic has brought national attention to the discrimination that our AAPI community faces on a regular basis, and we must work together to encourage tolerance and stop senseless acts of hate.”


Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12):

“Today marks the nine years since the Oak Creek, Wisconsin shooting where six innocent Sikh Americans tragically lost their lives and many others were wounded. To this day, 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. These acts of violence and hate are not reflective of our country’s values and we must proactively work to end them by passing legislation to end gun violence.”