117th CONGRESS 2d Session |
Recognizing the 10-year anniversary of the tragic attack that took place at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, 2012, and honoring the memory of those who died in the attack.
August 6, 2022
Ms. Baldwin (for herself and Mr. Johnson) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Recognizing the 10-year anniversary of the tragic attack that took place at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, 2012, and honoring the memory of those who died in the attack.
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,
(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 memories 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 the 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.