WASHINGTON – Aug. 5 marked two years since the massacre in Oak Creek, Wis., during which a gunman opened fire in a Sikh gurdwara, killing six people and injuring several others, before taking his own life.
Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus released the following statements:
Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), CAPAC chair: “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.
“We must remember the tragedy, but we must also confront it. The violence of Aug. 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.”
Rep. Mike Honda (D-San Jose), CAPAC chair emeritus: “Two years ago today, a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis., leaving six people dead. As a founding member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I stand in solidarity with the Sikh community, and all communities of faith, to honor the memory of Suveg Singh Khattra, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Ranjit Singh, Sita Singh, Paramjit Kaur, and Prakash Singh.
“As we continue to heal as a nation, we must address the root causes of violence and intolerance. As a firm believer in the benefits of diversity and inclusion, I support House Resolution 698, which condemns this horrific attack, and I am committed to ending the scourge of violent acts of hatred that plagues our communities.”