WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a graduate of Yale Divinity School, today released the following statement on the shooting of six people at a Sikh temple in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“Houses of worship are sacred spaces where Americans exercise their constitutionally protected right to live the tenets of their faith among family and community. This horrific crime is a violation of the principles of peace and tolerance that are at the very heart of American religious tradition.
“Sikh values are American values. A deep commitment to equality and hard work is at the heart of the Sikh faith and Sikh community. For this violent attack to occur while temple members were reading scriptures and preparing for a Sunday service is heartbreaking.
“An attack on one house of worship is an attack on all. As Americans and people of faith, we stand together in this time of sorrow. Annie and I offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the entire community of Milwaukee, and the worldwide community of Sikhs, and will continue to pray for peace and tolerance in our country and around the world.”