CAPAC Leaders Commemorate Anniversary of Oak Creek Gurdwara Shooting

Washington, D.C. – Today marks three years since the tragic shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, during which a gunman opened fire in a Sikh gurdwara, killing six people and injuring several others. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“It has been three years since the tragedy in Oak Creek, yet the scenes of that day are still fresh in our minds. A group of peaceful worshippers within the holy confines of their gurdwara, targeted and killed for no other reason than the intolerance of another. Instead of being the last fatal act of hate, Oak Creek has become just one in a string of many. Whether aimed at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin or a black church in South Carolina, hatred, bigotry, and prejudice tear at the fabric of equality and unity on which our country was built. As we commemorate the third anniversary of the tragic Oak Creek shooting, we must work together to increase understanding, compassion, and connections within our communities.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“Today serves as a sad reminder of how much work we need to do in this country to promote cross-cultural inclusion and understanding. Three years ago, we as a nation felt the pain of the tragic shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. We must remember this day to honor the memory of those we lost and use it as a reminder of what we must do in order to address the root causes of such hateful acts and turn to a new chapter of learning and understanding. Just a few short weeks ago, dozens of Sikh Americans came together in Washington to celebrate Langar, a meal that is shared together to signify unity and peace. That is the spirit that we must embrace and stand strongly in condemnation of acts of violence like the one we witnessed three years ago.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.