The Sacramento City Unified School District issued the following statement about the District’s support for students, staff and families after the shooting that took place at the Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society on Sunday.

“We stand in solidarity with our Sikh community and condemn the violence that disrupted an event taking place at a house of worship,” said SCUSD Board President Chinua Rhodes. “We are very concerned for our students who may be experiencing trauma as a result of this violence.” 

“Our district staff is ready to provide support for students, families and staff who may have been impacted by the senseless violence that disrupted a joyful event at the Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society,” said SCUSD Superintendent Jorge A. Agular. 

“The senseless act of violence that took place during the Nagar Kirtan (Sikh religious procession) event at the newly built Bradshaw Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) is a tragedy that has affected the entire community,” said SCUSD Board Member Jasjit Singh. “Thousands were in attendance, including many of our own SCUSD students. While our youngest ones were in attendance to simply enjoy the festive occasion, many of our Sikh high school students were intimately involved and had spent the last two weeks preparing the floats for the profession amongst other acts of Seva (selfless service.) Violence is traumatic and emotionally difficult to process, especially for our children. I am thankful that SCUSD is providing our students with support services. I am happy to be a resource and offer my personal support during this tragedy.”