Jayapal Marks Anniv Of Sikh Workers Killed In Mass Shooting, Spotlights Effects Of Hate
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC — Five years after a mass shooting at a FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis left eight workers dead, including four members of the Sikh community, U.S. lawmakers are introducing a resolution honoring the victims while renewing calls for stronger hate crime prevention and gun safety measures.
U.S. Representatives Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Pramila Jayapal, André Carson, and Judy Chu, CAPAC Chair Emerita, are leading the effort in Congress to formally recognize the April 15, 2021 tragedy and its lasting impact on Sikh Americans and the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
The attack at the Indianapolis facility, where nearly 90 percent of the workforce was of Sikh descent, has remained a painful reminder of violence and targeted hate faced by South Asian Americans. Eight workers were killed: Matthew Alexander, Samaria Blackwell, Amarjeet Johal, Jasvinder Kaur, Amarjit Sekhon, Jaswinder Singh, Karli Smith, and John Weisert. Seven additional employees were injured.
Jayapal drew a direct connection between the rise in hate incidents and broader political and social forces, reflecting on her own early activism after the September 11 attacks.
“I got my start in organizing in the wake of 9/11, standing up for our Sikh, Muslim, Arab, and South Asian neighbors who were experiencing increased racism and hate,” Jayapal said. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic and political rhetoric in recent years have “stoked these all too familiar flames of hatred,” underscoring the urgency of addressing violence and discrimination.
Jayapal emphasized that the 2021 shooting, which occurred during a broader wave of anti-Asian sentiment, continues to resonate deeply within affected communities. “Today we remember and honor their lives and recommit ourselves to a world that is more just and safe for all communities,” she said.
Rep. André Carson, who represents Indianapolis, called the attack an enduring wound for the city. “Eight Hoosiers were murdered at their jobs, including four members of the Sikh community,” Carson said, urging colleagues to support the resolution and strengthen protections against hate and discrimination.
Rep. Judy Chu highlighted the broader implications for immigrant communities and the importance of sustained federal investment in anti-hate programs.
The resolution condemns the attack, honors the victims, and calls for renewed federal action against hate crimes and gun violence. It also urges the restoration and expansion of Department of Justice programs aimed at preventing bias-motivated violence.
Advocacy groups, including the Sikh Coalition and Stop AAPI Hate, backed the resolution, noting ongoing concerns about discrimination and fear within Sikh and South Asian communities in the United States.
“On this painful anniversary, we stand with the families and communities impacted,” said Sikh Coalition Executive Director Harman Singh, adding that remembrance must be paired with continued efforts to prevent future violence.
