Washington, D.C. — Today, on the 10th anniversary of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, shooting at a Sikh gurdwara where six people were fatally shot and four injured, Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark (MA-05) and Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“Ten years ago, a senseless shooting at Oak Creek Gurudwara in Wisconsin claimed the lives of six Sikh Americans and injured countless others. And today, our nation still grapples with gun violence and white supremacy. We must recommit to combatting bigotry and ending the gun violence epidemic once and for all so that every American can live free from the fear of harm.”  

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

“Ten years ago, tragedy struck Oak Creek, Wisconsin, when a white supremacist gunman opened fire in a Sikh gurdwara. Today, alongside the Oak Creek Sikh American community, and Sikh communities across the nation, we remember and honor the seven victims of this attack. Every American, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, deserves to feel safe at home and in their own community. It is now more important than ever that we unite to reject the white supremacy, xenophobia, and bigotry that continue to fan the flames of hate and put more lives at risk. CAPAC remains in solidarity with the Sikh American community as we continue to take action against hate in all its forms against all our communities.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Today, we remember the tragedy at Oak Creek Gurdwara ten years ago when our nation lost six Sikh Americans to a senseless act of violence as they prayed together as a community. As we continue to stand up against bigotry and racism, we honor and remember their lives as we strive to make the United States a better, more tolerant and accepting society. We are proud to be a diverse nation where there is no place for the kind of religious intolerance that took place at Oak Creek Gurdwara. By remembering the anniversary of the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting, we recommit ourselves to the ideals of acceptance, equality, and mutual respect.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33):

“Ten years ago, a white supremacist opened fire at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, killing six individuals and injuring four. On this anniversary, we honor the lives of the victims by celebrating the joys of the Sikh faith, and pursuing policies that actively combat bigotry and hate in all its forms. The community of Oak Creek has come together over the years to inspire hope in the face of such a hateful event. In this spirit, we recommit ourselves to protecting all Americans from senseless violence and racism.”  

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“Ten years ago, a white supremacist, motivated by hatred and racism, took the lives of seven loved ones and wounded others as they worshiped at their gurdwara. Today, I’m sending strength to those throughout Oak Creek as I renew my commitment to stopping hate against the Sikh community, taking on white supremacy, and ending gun violence.”

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08):

“Today, we remember the tragedy at Oak Creek Gurdwara eight years ago when our nation lost six Sikh Americans to a senseless act of violence as they prayed together as a community. As we continue to stand up against bigotry and racism, we honor and remember their lives as we strive to make the United States a better, more tolerant and accepting society. We are proud to be a diverse nation where there is no place for the kind of religious intolerance that took place at Oak Creek Gurdwara. By remembering the anniversary of the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting, we recommit ourselves to the ideals of acceptance, equality, and mutual respect.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“Ten years ago, six innocent people lost their lives in a shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Today, we honor their lives and remember the people who were victims of prejudice and bigotry. No matter the cost, we must confront xenophobia, racism, and bigotry in this country and remain constantly vigilant. These acts of violence do not reflect America’s values, and I stand committed to supporting our Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities that face tremendous challenges in these times.”

Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38):

“Today, I join the Sikh community in Southern California and across the country in remembering those killed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, ten years ago. No one should have to fear for their lives when they gather to pray. Unfortunately, instances of hateful violence have only risen in the years since this tragic attack. We must do more to protect marginalized communities from violence. As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I will keep working to root out hate wherever it is found.”

Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the violent attack against the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The white supremacist gunman fatally shot six people and injured several more, leaving the Sikh community heartbroken and afraid. Our Constitution promises that all people should have the right to practice their religion freely, and today is a reminder of the work that remains to uphold that sacred promise in our country. Together, we must stand up to and reject the extremist ideologies that enable these hateful attacks. Today, my thoughts are with the Sikh community in Wisconsin, Washington’s Ninth, and across our country as they reflect on this tragic day in our history and mourn those we lost.”