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Washington: In a bipartisan show of solidarity with the Sikhs, the US House of Representatives has unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Wisconsin Gurdwara shooting that left six worshippers dead last month.
Condemning the "senseless attack" at the Gurdwara on August 5, the resolution which was introduced last week by Republican vice presidential candidate Congressman Paul Ryan offers condolences to the families, friends and loved ones who were killed in the attack.
It also honors the selfless, dedicated service of the emergency response teams and law enforcement officials who responded to the attack.
Co-sponsored by Congressman Ed Royce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, and seven other lawmakers, the resolution remains hopeful that the citizens of this country will come together united in a shared desire for peace and justice while standing with the Sikh community to grieve the loss of life.
"With its passage, the US House of Representatives has now made an important statement," Royce said following the unanimous passage of the Congressional resolution.
Other co-sponsors to the resolution were Congressmen Tammy Baldwin; Sean Duffy; Ron Kind; Gwen Moore, Thomas E Petri; Reid J Ribble; and F James Sensenbrenner.
"I was horrified by the shootings, which unfolded in a place of worship - women, children, elderly all present. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work closely with the Sikh community, which has made countless contributions to our country," Royce said.
"While this resolution might not ease the pain of those affected by this tragedy, it does display our commitment to religious tolerance, to show that we denounce hate-inspired violence," he said in a statement.
"Every American should be treated with respect and dignity, and safe in their place of worship. This resolution reaffirms that there is no tolerance in our country for such terroristic acts of bigotry," Royce said.
"The Sikh community will overcome this tragedy and we as a country will support them because what impacts them directly impacts all indirectly," Congressman Al Green from Texas said on the floor of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Standing in solidarity with the families as well as the victims of the shooting, Green said six people were killed and four wounded, including a police officer, in this horrific violence as people sought to peacefully worship with family and neighbors in their sanctuary.
"Observation and practice of one's religion should be inviolate, but on that fateful Sunday, it was so heinously violated. While what causes someone to do such a dastardly deed will remain a mystery to all, faith will console where reason cannot," he said.
"We can find some solace in the heroism displayed by those in the line of fire, who as ordinary citizens and first- responders risked their lives and limbs to protect others," Green said. The shooter, blinded by ignorance and hate, underestimated the strength and resolve of the Sikh community.
Upon hearing of the shooting, Sikh congregations around the country dedicated their services to the victims of the shooting," Congressman Green said on the House floor.
