This resolution commemorates the 5-year remembrance of the Indianapolis FedEx mass shooting, denounces all forms of anti-Asian hate, and calls for enhanced federal support to combat hate crimes and protect targeted communities.
Pramila Jayapal
Representative
WA-7
This resolution commemorates the five-year remembrance of the 2021 Indianapolis FedEx mass shooting, which tragically killed eight people, many of whom were Sikh. It strongly denounces all forms of anti-Asian hate, discrimination, and violence targeting South Asian communities. Furthermore, the resolution calls for strengthening federal programs to combat hate crimes and reaffirms the commitment to protecting the civil rights of all communities.
Resolution Commemorates Indianapolis Shooting, Denounces Anti-Asian Hate, and Calls for Expanded Hate Crime Programs
Five years ago, on April 15, 2021, a mass shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, tragically claimed eight lives, including four members of the Sikh community. This resolution isn't just about remembering that horrific day; it's a direct statement condemning all forms of anti-Asian hate, especially the kind of xenophobic and anti-immigrant talk that seems to be making a comeback.
The Lingering Shadow of Hate
For many, especially in the Sikh and South Asian communities, the shadow of discrimination and violence hasn't lifted. Federal hate crime statistics from 2024 show that Sikhs and Muslims are still among the most targeted religious groups. And if you're South Asian, the numbers are even more stark: a national survey found that the share of South Asian adults experiencing a hate act based on race, ethnicity, or nationality jumped from 43% in 2023 to 54% in 2024, remaining high in 2025. Online, anti-South Asian slurs made up a whopping 73% of all anti-Asian slurs in spaces linked to targeted violence that same year. This isn't just online noise; it's fueling real-world intimidation and violence, often tied to anti-immigrant rhetoric that paints South Asian immigrants as security threats.
Breaking Down Barriers to Justice
One of the toughest parts of this issue is that hate crimes often go unreported. Imagine being a survivor, dealing with language barriers, worrying about your immigration status, or simply not trusting law enforcement. These are all real obstacles that keep people from coming forward and getting the help they need. This resolution directly acknowledges these challenges, recognizing that simply having laws isn't enough if people can't access justice or support.
A Call for Action and Protection
So, what's the plan? This resolution isn't just about recognizing a problem; it's about demanding action. It calls for restoring and expanding critical programs within the Department of Justice, like the Bureau of Justice Assistance, COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act programs, and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act programs. These initiatives are all about improving how we collect data on hate crimes and, more importantly, how we prevent them. It also urges the administration to reverse its anti-immigrant policies and get immigration processing back on track. At its core, this resolution is a reaffirmation of the federal government's commitment to protecting the civil and human rights of everyone in the United States, ensuring that communities can live without fear.