9th Anniversary of The Oak Creek Shooting

Today, August 5th, 2021, marks the ninth anniversary of the shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin where our Sikh community lost six members: Satwant Singh Kaleka, Paramjit Kaur, Prakash Singh, Ranjit Singh, Sita Singh, and Suveg Singh Khattra. Sadly, Baba Panjab Singh, a granthi of the Gurdwara, who was paralyzed during the attack, passed away from his injuries last year.

Not only do we remember the sangat we lost that day; but, we also mourn with our brothers and sisters who lost friends and family members during subsequent attacks, in Florida, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Ohio, and the recent Indianapolis FedEx shooting. 

“I appreciate when the world shows up on August 5th or after a mass hate attack happens, but I hope the legacy is that we all continue to show up even when we see small moments of suffering,” said Pardeep Kaleka, the son of Satwant Singh Kaleka.

We are reminded of the spirit of chardi kala shown by the sangat and families in Oak Creek and their commitment to serving others during a time of tragedy. We are reminded that while coming together in remembrance, we must commit ourselves to action.

Today, we recommit ourselves to promoting inclusion and safety for all who call this country home. No matter where someone lives or what they look like, they should not live in fear because of their identity. We will continue to fight against division and white supremacy, the virulent hate that motivated the attack nine years ago. We will work to ensure that these tragedies do not happen again; and, sadly, if they do, those impacted will have the love and support of the Sikh sangat across the nation.

To pay respect to the seven Kaurs and Singhs we lost in the Oak Creek attack, SALDEF urges the sadh sangat to:

  1. Speak up against hate, violence, discrimination, and white supremacy.
  2. Spread awareness about the Sikh culture. Below are some links that offer more information about Sikhism.