Shillong, August 6: On the anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin in 2012, prominent US leaders are paying their respects to the victims and urging the Sikh community to stand strong against hatred and bigotry while advocating an end to gun violence across the nation.
The heart-wrenching incident occurred on August 5, 2012, when an army veteran named Wade Page attacked a Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, gunning down six worshippers before taking his own life. Tragically, a seventh person, severely paralyzed during the shooting, succumbed to his injuries in 2020.
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers took to Twitter on the anniversary to express their condolences and solidarity with the Sikh community, which was forever altered by the senseless act of violence. Congressman Khanna urged everyone to denounce hate in all its forms and work together to combat the alarming epidemic of gun violence in the country.
As per IANS, Governor Evers also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the need to continue efforts to eradicate hate and violence, ensuring they find no place in Wisconsin. Several other US leaders, including Senator Tammy Baldwin, joined in remembering the victims and expressing support for the Sikh community’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Sikhs make up a small fraction, 0.1 per cent, of the US population as of 2021, constituting the country’s sixth-largest religious group. Unfortunately, they have long been subjected to hate crimes and racial discrimination in the United States, particularly after the September 11 attacks when they were mistakenly targeted due to their appearance, often confused with Muslims because of their long beards.
Balbir Singh Sodhi, a 49-year-old Sikh businessman, became the first victim of a hate crime linked to 9/11, underscoring the severity of the issue. The latest data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed a concerning total of 1,005 hate crimes related to religion reported in 2021 in the US, with Sikhs being among the most targeted religious groups.
The call to remember and honor the victims of the tragic Sikh temple shooting serves as a reminder for the nation to stand united against hate and violence, working tirelessly to create a safer and more inclusive society for all.