Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement after learning of the tragic shooting at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, that killed 6 people and wounded several others:

"I am shocked and deeply saddened as I join the nation in mourning the tragic shooting that wreaked havoc on the Sikh community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and the families and friends who lost their loved ones. I pray that the wounded will be healed from the physical and psychological harm that was inflicted upon them.

Targeting a religious group in their place of worship undermines the basic freedom and security of our country. This act of senseless terrorism, which comes just weeks after the tragic shooting massacre in Aurora, Colorado, calls for a national dialogue on stricter gun control in our communities to prevent dangerous individuals from acquiring automatic weapons in the first place. It is imperative that we put a stop to such tragedies from ever happening again."