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Washington: The US Senate has unanimously passed a resolution remembering the six Sikh worshippers gunned down inside a Wisconsin Gurdwara by a white supremacist last year, ahead of the first anniversary of the tragic incident.
Condemning the horrific shooting in the strongest possible terms, the resolution sponsored by the two Senators from Wisconsin, Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, honoured the memory of Suveg Singh Khattra, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Ranjit Singh, Sita Singh, Paramjit Kaur, and Prakash Singh.
The six Sikh worshippers were shot dead by Wade Michael Page, a white supremacist, on August 5 last year at the Wisconsin Gurdwara in Oak Creek.
Offering condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died in the shooting, the resolution condemned hatred and acts of violence towards racial and religious groups and called for renewed efforts to end that violence.
Standing with those who plan to gather in Oak Creek on August 2 through to August 5, to memorialise the lives lost in the shooting and to continue healing as a community, the resolution also commends the heroism of the first responders and members of the community who courageously and selflessly placed their lives in danger to prevent the death of more innocent people.
Remembering the anniversary of the tragic shooting on August 5, 2012, the resolution said many members of the Sikh community and the community as a whole selflessly sought to aid and protect others by putting their own safety at risk.
The heroic action of law enforcement officers such as Officer Sam Lenda prevented additional loss of life, it said.
Other Senators who co-sponsored the resolution were Chris Coons, John Cornyn and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Meanwhile, the recently formed Sikh caucus in the House of Representatives announced to introduce a similar resolution today.
The resolution would be introduced by Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman David G Valadao, co-chairs of the American-Sikh Congressional Caucus, along with other Caucus Members and Representatives.
"One year after gunfire shattered the peace of the Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, we are reminded of the frailty of life and the power that prejudices hold in our society," Chu said.
