AAPI Victory Fund on the 10th Anniversary of the Oak Creek Sikh Temple Shooting

WASHINGTON — Today, on the 10th anniversary of the attack on the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the AAPI Victory Fund released the following statement commemorating the seven Sikh community members who ultimately lost their lives and looking ahead to the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety of our communities, ten years later.
 
AAPI Victory Fund National Political Director Shehn Datta issued the following statement:
 
“On August 5, 2012, the lives of seven Sikh community members were maliciously taken in an act of white supremacy, and countless lives were forever changed. Ten years later, xenophobia and hate-fueled acts of violence have continued to rear their ugly heads – making this year’s anniversary a stark reminder of the need for change, both at the legislative and cultural levels.
 
“Today, and every day, we remember the lives of those affected by the Oak Creek shooting. We cannot allow our elected officials to continue to put legislation that protects our communities on the back burner while the lives of innocent civilians continue to be stolen by acts of violence and hatred. We call for action on the following bills: the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act, the Justice for Victims of Hate Crimes Act, and for sensible gun violence prevention legislation. It is imperative that come November, we vote for candidates who are committed to and prioritize our community.”
 
AAPI Victory Fund Power100 Member Narinder Singh issued the following statement:
 
“Ten years ago, seven people lost their lives in a profane, white supremacy-fueled act of violence in the gurdwara in Oak Creek. That day should have been a wake-up call to address growing hate and xenophobia in this country, but instead has become one of many senseless tragedies leaving schools, churches, synagogues and other houses of worship waiting for the next attack. 
 
“Today, as we remember the seven lives that were taken in their place of worship, we must too remember that racism, xenophobia, and gun violence remain a public health issue, a human rights issue, and a racial justice issue. We need our elected leaders to represent the highest values of a principled nation and to take common-sense actions to prevent future atrocities.”
 
“There is no doubt that the events that took place on August 5, 2012, have left an indelible mark on the Sikh community. For our community, and for the seven people who lost their lives, we will not stay silent.”

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The AAPI Victory Fund is focused on mobilizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.