Congressman Sherman Reacts to Shooting at Sikh Temple in Wisconsin at Town Hall Meeting

Sherman Oaks, CA – On Sunday August 5th Congressman Brad Sherman (D – CA) hosted a Town Hall meeting in Tarzana, California where he discussed the tragic events which recently unfolded at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Sherman, along with 300 attendees, observed a moment of silence in recognition of the lost lives. Sherman was then joined by three members of the Sikh community of the San Fernando Valley who led the Town Hall in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sherman went on to express, “I am deeply saddened by the events in Oak Creek, my thoughts and prayers are with the families, and I’m sure that’s true for everyone here.
I condemn the senseless act of violence against the Sikh community in the strongest terms. Sikhs are a very peaceful and tolerant community, but violence against Sikh-Americans has, sadly, risen dramatically since 9/11.”

“I have always backed stronger U.S. government action to protect Sikhs and prosecute hate crimes,” Sherman continued. “Less than a month after 9/11, I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution to condemn bigotry and violence against Sikh-Americans in the wake of the terrorist attacks. The community is highly susceptible to violence because of their appearance. Most recently, in April of this year, I joined with my colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Justice urging the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans. Today, I join with the entire nation in calling for the FBI to do a complete and thorough investigation of the tragic events in Wisconsin.”

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