Aug. 5--WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 12th 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): “We remember and honor the lives of the seven Sikh individuals who were victims of a horrific act of hate and gun violence in their place of worship on this day 12 years ago. Nowhere should this violence have happened – not in this sacred place meant for peace and community for all, not in America, not ever. My heart goes out to their family, friends, and communities, who still live with immense grief from this tragic event. Sikh Americans, and all Americans, deserve to live, learn, worship, and play with a sense of safety. White supremacy, hate, and xenophobia rip apart the fabric of equality and unity that binds our nation, and we must reject any bigotry that puts more lives at risk. CAPAC remains in solidarity with the Sikh American community as we continue to push for comprehensive gun reform and take action against hate in all its forms against all our communities.”
CAPAC First Vice Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06): “Twelve years ago, a white supremacist opened fire at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, killing six people and injuring four more in a senseless act of violence. Today as we honor the lives lost, we must remain committed to standing up against bigotry and racism in all its forms. In the United States diversity is our strength. There is no place for the mass violence and religious intolerance that took place in Oak Creek. As a nation we must remain committed to creating a more tolerant and accepting society where everyone can freely and safely worship without the fear of violence and persecution.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36): “Twelve years ago, six innocent lives were taken by a white supremacist who opened fire at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. As we acknowledge the continued pain within the Oak Creek community, we must dedicate ourselves to rejecting hate and discrimination in all forms. White supremacy and xenophobia have no place in our nation, and together, we must ensure that all individuals, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity, can live without fear for their safety. Today, I renew my commitment alongside my CAPAC colleagues to combatting bigotry, ending gun violence, and promoting our values of tolerance and equality across the United States.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07): “Today marks 12 years since a white supremacist took the lives of six members of the Sikh community in Oak Creek as they worshiped at their gurdwara. 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. Ro Khanna (CA-17): “This year marks the 12th anniversary of the shooting in the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara, where the Sikh community was devastated 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.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08): “Twelve years ago today, six Sikh Americans were killed and four more were injured after a white supremacist, driven by hate and bigotry, opened fire at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin. 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. All Americans should be able to worship and practice their faiths without fear, and it falls on all of us to make the United States a better and more tolerant country for people of all faiths and backgrounds.”
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13): “Twelve years ago, a white supremacist opened fire at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek Wisconsin, killing 6 people and injuring 4 others. On the anniversary of this tragic event, we reaffirm that violence against any group is never acceptable. 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.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38): “I join the Sikh community in Southern California and across the country in remembering and honoring all those who lives were taken during the tragic shooting in Oak Creek. America is a diverse nation where racism and bigotry have no place, including in our places of worship. Together with my CAPAC colleagues, we call on everyone to reject all forms of hatred so every American can feel safe.”
