The fear and concerns these students are expressing are valid and data supports this. According to a report by Everytown for Gun Safety, seven children are killed each day by gun violence. Additionally, for each student shot, two more are injured bringing the total to an average of 21 children shot each day. These numbers are 25% higher than other developed nations across the world and paint a somber picture along with the United States having the highest rate of gun violence, in the world.
SALDEF supports tactful legislation to combat these issues. The Sikh American community continues to face violence across the country ranging from hate crimes and attacks upon our homes, businesses, and places of worship, most notably the massacre at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in 2012, where 6 worshippers were killed.
Last year, SALDEF hosted a Gun Violence Awareness event in conjunction with Everytown for Gun Safety. At this event, Kamal Saini, who lost his mother in the tragic shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara said, “In the aftermath of the Oak Creek tragedy, I learned that it takes unity, and it takes communities coming together for progress to happen.”
We urge our elected officials to heed the words of Mr. Saini, and of those students protesting today, and come together on this issue that affects ALL Americans and protect our children and our communities.
