Sikh Community Gathers Politicians For FedEx Shooting Victims Memorial At Lucas Oil

A memorial at Lucas Oil Stadium over the weekend honored the eight killed in a mass shooting at an Indianapolis FedEx facility. Gov. Eric Holcomb and other elected officials shared letters, video messages and prayers.

Gov. Eric Holcomb opened the event. He highlighted the contributions of Sikh Hoosiers to Indiana’s fight against COVID-19 – including handmade masks donated early in the pandemic.

He held up the event’s flyer – which included the faces of the eight victims. Four of them were members of the Sikh community. 

"When I look at the invitation flyer for this event, I see Indiana," Holcomb said.

He said they are part of the patchwork quilt of backgrounds that contribute to the state.

Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) called for gun reform and investment in mental health.

"I’m going to hold myself and all elected officials at all levels … to do everything in their capacity – in addition to thoughts and prayers – to truly protect our communities," Qaddoura said. "So that this never happens again."

Interfaith leaders and representatives of the Indianapolis Sikh community also spoke at the memorial.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett called for “transformative action.” He said no matter the situation – domestic violence, gang activity, or mass shooting – Indiana and the U.S. need to address gun violence.

"It was past due for El Paso. Past due for Orlando. Past due for Las Vegas. Past due for Charleston. Past due for Sandy Hook. Past due for Stoneman-Douglas. And it was past due for Indianapolis," Hogsett said. "We are weary."

An investigation into the motive behind the mass shooting is still ongoing.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said the Sikh Coalition had organized the memorial at Lucas Oil Stadium. That was incorrect. It supported several local groups to organize the memorial.

Contact Lauren at lchapman@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @laurenechapman_.