indica News Bureau-
Remembering the loss of six people in a Gurdwara in Oak Creek at the hands of a white supremacist, seven years ago, more than half a dozen lawmakers have pledged to continue to advocate for stricter gun control laws and comprehensive background checks.
“Seven years ago, six innocent Sikhs were murdered in their place of worship by an act of senseless violence. Any attack on a community of faith must be wholly condemned. These moments transcend political boundaries and personal beliefs,” Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna said.
“In honor of those who died at Oak Creek, as well as those who were brutally murdered in El Paso, Dayton, and Gilroy over the last week, I will continue to advocate for stricter gun control laws and comprehensive background checks,” Khanna said.
On August 5, 2012, a white supremacist opened fire at a Sikh gurdwara and killed six people. The seventh anniversary this year anniversary falls one week after recent shootings in El Paso, Texas, Dayton, Ohio, and Gilroy, California that claimed a total of 34 lives.
“It has been seven years since the deadly attack at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and tragically, mass shootings like this one are on the rise across our country. We are seeing the real, devastating effects of a lack of sensible gun reform,” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said.
The president’s dangerous racist and xenophobic rhetoric fans the flames of hate and violence against our communities, and Republicans remain unwilling to pass common-sense gun-reform legislation, she alleged.
“My colleagues and I remain committed to addressing rising hate violence against Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities — and all immigrant communities of color — and advancing legislation to curb gun violence,” Jayapal said.
Noting that seven years ago, six innocent lives were taken during a shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Congresswoman Judy Chu said that this act of domestic terrorism was committed by a white supremacist who was driven by prejudice and bigotry.
“Unfortunately, the shootings this past week in El Paso, Dayton, and Gilroy are harrowing reminders of how little progress we have made in addressing domestic terrorism and gun violence since the Oak Creek shooting,” she said.
“Although we cannot weed out hatred and racism overnight, we must continue to denounce racial and religious intolerance, especially when it comes from our nation’s highest office,” she said and demanded that Congress must also take action to address gun violence so that these tragedies do not continue to repeat themselves.
“Seven years ago, six Sikh Americans lost their lives in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Sadly, as we just saw over the weekend, the racism and xenophobia that drove the attack on the gurdwara still permeate in our society today,” Congresswoman Grace Meng said.
“On this anniversary, we honor the lives lost to this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to rejecting all forms of hate whenever and wherever it occurs. We must come together to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, or country of origin, feel safe in this country they call home. I call on the Senate to follow the House and immediately pass common-sense gun safety legislation,” she said.
“This tragic event is a reminder that our mission to create a more just, understanding and welcoming world, is never over. Our country’s strength is in the diversity of our people, including our Sikh, Muslim, South Asian, and Middle Eastern communities. As we honor the memory of those lost that day in Oak Creek, we must stand up to bigotry and hate, wherever and whenever it arises,” Congressman Gil Cisneros said.
Congressman TJ Cox urged all Americans to stand united to help tackle this cycle of violence and call it for what it is – domestic terrorism.
