[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 133 (Saturday, August 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4215-S4216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 749--RECOGNIZING THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
TRAGIC ATTACK THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE SIKH TEMPLE OF WISCONSIN ON AUGUST 
    5, 2012, AND HONORING THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE ATTACK

  Ms. BALDWIN (for herself and Mr. Johnson) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 749

       Whereas the freedom of religion is protected in the 
     Constitution, and no religious institution should be subject 
     to violence, hate, intolerance, or religious and racial 
     discrimination;
       Whereas, on Sunday, August 5, 2012, a shooting took place 
     that resulted in the death of 7 worshipers who were at the 
     Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin;
       Whereas the attack occurred as members of the congregation 
     prepared a free community meal served to all congregants 
     arriving for Sunday services;
       Whereas several worshipers were injured, including a 
     responding officer, Lieutenant Brian Murphy, who was shot 15 
     times at close range;
       Whereas Lieutenant Brian Murphy, Officer Savan Lenda, and 
     all the first responders to the gurdwara in Oak Creek 
     demonstrated great courage in their quick response to the 
     shooting, saving countless lives;
       Whereas the Oak Creek shooting was a senseless act of 
     violence and tragedy that should never befall any house of 
     worship;
       Whereas the Sikh community responded to the shooting in Oak 
     Creek with compassion and stayed true to the Sikh principle 
     of chardi kala, which roughly translates to ``relentless 
     optimism'';
       Whereas, 10 years later, the effects of this shooting are 
     still being felt and will be felt for years to come; and
       Whereas the community of Oak Creek will continue to 
     overcome the tragedy and become stronger than before: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific 
     attack that occurred at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on 
     August 5, 2012;
       (2) honors the memories of Paramjit Kaur Saini, Suveg Singh 
     Khattra, Satwant Singh Kaleka, Ranjit Singh, Sita Singh, 
     Prakash Singh, and Baba Punjab Singh who died in the attack;
       (3) offers its heartfelt condolences to the families, 
     friends, and loved ones of those who died in the attack;
       (4) recognizes the Sikh community for demonstrating 
     unwavering courage, strength, and resilience in response to 
     the attack;
       (5) applauds the bravery of the first responders who 
     prevented the gunman from potentially taking more lives and 
     quickly treated those who were wounded; and

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       (6) condemns intolerance, including religious and racial 
     discrimination, and calls for unwavering resolve to prevent 
     and seek justice for acts of hate and terrorism.

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