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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, September 11, 2023 Contact: Amrita Kaur, Director of Communications media@saldef.org |
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WASHINGTON D.C. – Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot and killed on Saturday, September 15, 2001 in Arizona by Frank Roque. Mr. Roque wanted to “kill a Muslim” in retaliation for the attacks on September 11. It was the first fatal act of hate violence resulting from 9/11. The events of September 11, 2001, affected each and every American in pointed and distinct ways. Many thousands perished during the attack, others lost loved ones. Many reacted with fervent patriotism for their country in order to overcome the devastation in progressive and constructive ways, while others lashed out with fear and hate towards the unknown and who they perceived to be ‘the enemy’. Despite the myriad of reactions to that day, it is clear that the tragedy and loss of 9/11 did not end on that fateful Tuesday. The aftermath is still very real for the families of those that were lost in the attacks, for the families of those that were attacked in the backlash, and those that still fear for their safety in America. As initial endorsers of the bill, SALDEF has been advocating to bring stories such as Balbir Singh’s to light, and we find a sense of solace in House Resolution 629, introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal. This bill not only acknowledges the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi, but it also highlights the various ways in which the Sikh, Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern, South Asian communities faced difficulties: “Whereas there was a climate of hate in which Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Sikh communities experienced bullying and violence in their everyday lives and in their workplaces, businesses, community centers and houses of worship” “Whereas the government targeted Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Sikh communities with overreaching policing, surveillance, and criminalization policies that resulted in wrongful” At a time when there are concerns about the rising hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans, House Resolution 629 serves as a kind of solace. The resolution brings to the light the many obstacles that Sikhs in America have endured since 9/11. The bill does not simply recognize the attacks against the community, but also advocates for the creation of interagency task force thats findings should be presented in a congressional hearing, the allocation of resources to affected communities, hate crime prevention. We thank the sponsors of the resolution, Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Judy Chu (CA-28), André Carson (IN-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Henry Calvin “Hank” Johnson (GA-04) and hope to see this bill move forward, so that the various communities affected in the aftermath of 9/11 can begin healing. |