August 5, 2022
Contact: Renee Gasch, Candidate for Assembly District 2
ReneeforAssembly@gmail.com, 920-278-2220
De Pere, Wis. – Ten years ago, Sikh worshipers at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin endured the horror of a mass shooting, and the nation mourned the loss of life and peace in Wisconsin. The worshippers were preparing langar, a Sikh communal meal, when the gunman entered and killed six, including the founder of the gurdwara Satwant Singh Kaleka. More were injured, including police responder Lt. Brian Murphy, who survived 15 shots at close range before the shooter committed suicide. Another priest, Baba Punjab Singh, died in 2020 from his injuries, raising the total death toll to eight.
Investigators found the shooter was active in white nationalist groups and had a history of misconduct in the US Army. He purchased the semi-automatic pistol and three 19-round magazines used in the shooting from a store in West Allis one week earlier. One person in Wisconsin dies every day from gun violence, with 70 percent from suicide; the gun suicide rate is twice as high in Wisconsin’s rural counties.
On the tenth anniversary of Oak Creek, Wisconsin Assembly District 2 candidate Renee Gasch issued the following statement:
“I extend my care, respect and remembrance to the Sikh community in Oak Creek whose members continue to lead us through grief with grace and courage. All people deserve the freedom to worship peacefully in Wisconsin, free from the fear of hatred and violence. What the Sikh community endured in Wisconsin in 2012 can never happen here again to anyone of any faith or group.
Making Wisconsin safer for everyone is a priority. In remembrance of those lost in Oak Creek, it is critical that we re-commit to finishing our undone work for public safety. Common sense gun safety laws, such as stricter background checks and waiting periods, could have prevented the Oak Creek shooter from purchasing a gun in our state. The people of Wisconsin overwhelmingly support gun safety laws, and it is time for our State Legislature to get it done.
In recent years, Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi communities have experienced an increase in hate crimes throughout the United States. Movements that promote hatred against minority ethnic groups have no place in Wisconsin. To promote peace, we must support accurate and inclusive multicultural education that affirms plurality and difference. Now is a critical time for us to elect leaders in Wisconsin that prioritize peace, safety, diversity and inclusion.”
Renee Gasch is a community organizer and environmentalist in De Pere running as a Democrat in the November 8th election. Assembly District 2 includes the Northeast Wisconsin communities of De Pere, Wrightstown, Greenleaf, Mishicot and Two Rivers in Brown and Manitowoc Counties.
For more resources:
Renee Gasch Freelance LLC 