Remembering six killed in Sikh Temple shooting one year ago

OAK CREEK (WITI) — Monday, August 5th marks the one-year anniversary of the Sikh Temple shooting. On August 5th, 2012, Wade Page entered the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek and opened fire, killing six. To commemorate the lives lost and bring a greater sense of awareness, the Temple is hosted several events for the community over the weekend.

Visitors from across the country are making their way to Oak Creek to show support for the Sikh community during the one-year anniversary of the Sikh Temple shooting. The holy book will be read for 48 hours, nonstop, to mark the anniversary of the day six worshipers were gunned down inside the temple. A prayer service is open to all.

A weekend of reflection, honoring the lives lost in the mass shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, began on Friday, August 3rd with a ceremony at Milwaukee’s Federal Courthouse.

Victims’ families, friends and community leaders came together on Friday to reflect upon a year that changed so many lives. Music played as hundreds filled up the federal courtroom.

Also Friday, U.S. Attorney James Santelle announced the Department of Justice is giving more than $500,000 to the Oak Creek community to help with trauma services for those still coping with the tragedy.

At the Sikh Temple of Oak Creek on Sunday, August 4th, on the eve of the anniversary of the Sikh Temple shooting, a memorial service was held to remember the six people who were killed in the shooting, and to praise the community for coming together so remarkably after this tragedy.

A number of speakers were heard inside the Gudwara on Saturday, including lawmakers like Gov. Scott Walker, Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi and Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards — and also, the families of each man and woman killed or injured.

Retired Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy, who was shot multiple times after being one of the first to the scene of the Sikh Temple shooting showed his resilience, telling the Gudwara he considers his service to them on August 5th, 2012 a blessing.

“As you can tell, my voice is no longer what it was, but like the other six victims who lost their voice permanently, and mine that has been diminished — that voice has been replaced by everyone here,” Murphy said.