Representatives Valadao, Chu Commemorate Anniversary of Oak Creek Shooting

Press Release

Tomorrow, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), co-chairs of the American-Sikh Congressional Caucus, along with other Caucus Members and Representatives, will introduce legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives commemorating the one year anniversary of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gudwara tragedy.
On August 5, 2013, an armed gunman walked into the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and opened fire into the place of worship. While some were able to flee the building, four individuals were severely wounded while six individuals lost their lives that day, including the president of the temple.

Congressman Valadao stated, "Sadly, hatred and prejudice toward the Sikh Community has increased over the last decade and has occurred in my own Central Valley Congressional District, which is home to a large Sikh population." He continued, "Heartbreaking events such as this, highlight deep societal problems, specifically what I believe is a general disregard for human life that has unfortunately become prevalent in our society. As Americans, we must see past stereotypes and treat each other with compassion and respect.

Congressman Valadao, alongside his colleague Congresswoman Chu, founded the Congressional Sikh Caucus in April 2013 in order to better represent the Sikh community across the country. Since the horrific events which occurred on September 11, members of the Sikh community have faced a growing amount of discrimination and persecution by people who mistakenly associate Sikhs with the terrorists who plotted and carried out the attacks in 2001.

Congresswoman Chu added, "One year after gunfire shattered the peace of the gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, we are reminded of the frailty of life and the power that prejudices hold in our society. As we mark this solemn day and remember the six people who were lost, we must work to ensure that discrimination and hateful acts based on intolerance do not have a place in our nation."

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