Chairman Crowley Statement on the 6th Anniversary of the Oak Creek Sikh Gurdwara Shooting

Chairman Crowley Statement on the 6th Anniversary of the Oak Creek Sikh Gurdwara Shooting

(Queens, NY) – House Democratic Caucus Chair Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) issued the following statement ahead of the sixth anniversary of the tragic shooting at the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which falls on Sunday:

“Six years ago, the lives of six innocent and peaceful worshippers were taken in a senseless act of hate. As we mark this solemn day with heavy hearts, we are painfully reminded that the Sikh community, and people of other faiths, ethnicities, and races, continue to be targets of bigotry and violence. We owe it to the victims of the Oak Creek tragedy to come together and renew our commitment to fighting intolerance whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. Every person in this country, no matter where they come from, what they look like, or who they pray to, deserves to live in peace.”

A recognized leader in Congress on issues related to the Sikh American community, Crowley spearheaded a multi-year, successful effort to convince the federal government to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh Americans. In addition to his work on hate crimes against the Sikh American community, Crowley led the successful effort in the House of Representatives to expand opportunities for Sikhs in the U.S. Army. Last year, he also led the effort to convince the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to end its discriminatory policy against Sikh players.

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