Rep. Zoe Lofgren Calls for National Unity & Reflection In the Wake of Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting

San Jose, CA – Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) today joined with the Bay Area Sikh community to condemn last week's brutal attack on the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and to call for national unity and reflection against the hatred and fear which now seems to have motivated the tragedy.

"The attack on the Sikh Temple is a tragedy which has caused our country to pause, and as President Obama said, do some deep national 'soul-searching.' My heart and sympathies goes out to the families and friends of the victims of this senseless attack.

"The targeting of Americans of the Sikh faith is a heinous act of violence born out of unjustified fear and unyielding ignorance of a religion that preaches peace and tolerance. While the malice that prompted this attack may be unfathomable to many people of good conscience, this tragedy is a troubling reminder of the consequence that hate-driven crimes have on our society.

"Today we stand united against this kind of hatred. I applaud our Bay Area Sikh community for their selflessness during this tragedy and for organizing a peace rally promoting greater understanding and unity. As a people, we need to come together to stop the dangerous hatred that gives rise to this kind of violence which destroys lives and tears at our country's fabric. By coming together to advance the American ideals of equality and freedom we can overcome the prejudice and bigotry of such a brutal act of terror."

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