THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY DAVIDSON, JAMES, CALTAGIRONE, MICOZZIE, PAYTON, B. BOYLE, DiGIROLAMO, GEORGE, CLYMER, TAYLOR, WATERS, GINGRICH, BRENNAN, THOMAS, DePASQUALE, DONATUCCI, KIRKLAND, FREEMAN, HESS, M. O'BRIEN, PRESTON, PARKER, BROWNLEE, D. COSTA, WILLIAMS, YOUNGBLOOD, MOUL, BRADFORD, BRIGGS, FRANKEL, FABRIZIO, GOODMAN, ROEBUCK, SONNEY AND MAHONEY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Condemning the horrific attack which occurred at the Sikh temple

in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on August 5, 2012; offering

heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones

of those who were killed; and expressing hope for a swift

recovery of those who were wounded.

WHEREAS, On August 5, 2012, an armed gunman opened fire at a

Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, during a time of worship;

and

WHEREAS, This horrific attack killed six people and

critically wounded at least three others; and

WHEREAS, The temple president, Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65,

valiantly gave his life defending worshipers from the gunman;

and

WHEREAS, Five others also died in the attack including

brothers Ranjit Singh, 49, and Sita Singh, 41, priests who lived

in the temple, Suveg Singh Khattra, 84, a former farmer and a

constant presence at the temple, Priest Prakash Singh, 39, and

Paramjit Kaur, 41, who worked 66 hours a week to provide for her

family; and

WHEREAS, Oak Creek Police Lieutenant Brian Murphy was the

first officer to respond to the incident and was critically

injured after being shot by the gunman nine times; and

WHEREAS, On August 6, 2012, and August 7, 2012, vigils were

held in remembrance of the victims, and nearly 3,000 people paid

their respects to those who lost their lives; and

WHEREAS, Several thousand people from around the world joined

together in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on Friday, August 10, 2012, as

Sikhs gathered to mourn during a two-hour visitation and a wake

thereafter; and

WHEREAS, President Obama offered his condolences and ordered

United States flags to be flown at half-staff through Friday,

August 10, 2012, as a mark of respect for the victims of this

senseless act of violence; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives condemn, in the

strongest possible terms, the horrific attack which occurred at

the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on August 5, 2012; and

be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representative offer its

heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of

those who were killed in the attack; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express its hope

for swift recovery of those wounded in the attack; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives stand firm in its

belief in democracy, in which threats of violence cannot silence

the voice of any American.