Senator Baldwin Leads Senate Resolution to Remember the 10th Anniversary of Shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a resolution to remember the 10th anniversary of the tragic attack at the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin on August 5, 2012. The Senate resolution honors the memory of 7 worshipers whose lives were taken in the mass shooting. It also recognizes those who were injured and thanks the bravery of first responders. In addition, Baldwin’s resolution praises the Sikh community for their relentless optimism and work to bring people together after the attack.

“I am proud to lead this Senate resolution remembering the tragic attack a decade ago on Wisconsin’s Sikh community and honor the victims, first responders, and impacted community members,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am continually inspired by the Sikh community’s resilience in the face of tragedy and ability to heal. I stand in solidarity with Sikh community in Wisconsin and nationwide today, and every day.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) and a similar companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Bryan Steil (R-WI), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ron Kind (D-WI), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Thomas Tiffany (R-WI), and Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI).

Full text of the Senate Resolution is available below and here.

Whereas the freedom of religion is protected in the Constitution, and no religious institution should be subject to violence, hate, intolerance, or religious and racial discrimination;

Whereas, on Sunday, August 5, 2012, a shooting took place that resulted in the death of 7 worshipers who were at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin;

Whereas the attack occurred as members of the congregation prepared a free community meal served to all congregants arriving for Sunday services;

Whereas several worshipers were injured including a responding officer, Lieutenant Brian Murphy, who was shot 15 times at close range;

Whereas Lieutenant Brian Murphy, Officer Savan Lenda, and all the first responders to the gurdwara in Oak Creek demonstrated great courage in their quick response to the shooting, saving countless lives;

Whereas the Oak Creek shooting was a senseless act of violence and tragedy that should never befall any house of worship;

Whereas the Sikh community responded to the shooting in Oak Creek with compassion and stayed true to the Sikh principle of chardi kala, which roughly translates to “relentless optimism”;

Whereas, 10 years later, the effects of this shooting are still being felt and will be felt for years to come; and

Whereas the community of Oak Creek will continue to overcome the tragedy and become stronger than before: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack that occurred at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, 2012;

(2) honors the memory of Paramjit Kaur Saini, Suveg Singh Khattra, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Ranjit Singh, Sita Singh, Prakash Singh, and Baba Punjab Singh who died in the attack;

(3) offers its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who died in the attack;

(4) recognizes the Sikh community for demonstrating unwavering courage, strength, and resilience in response to the attack;

(5) applauds the bravery of Lieutenant Brian Murphy, Officer Savan Lenda, and other first responders who prevented the gunman from potentially taking more lives and quickly treated those who were wounded; and

(6) condemns intolerance, including religious and racial discrimination, and calls for unwavering resolve to prevent and seek justice for acts of hate and terrorism.

An online version of this release is available here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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