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First lady visiting Sikh temple
First lady visiting Sikh temple
OAK CREEK -- The White House confirmed Sunday First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to Southeast Wisconsin. She will visit Thursday to visit family members of the six people killed in the Aug. 5 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.
Many worshipers said Sunday it meant a lot to hear the First Lady was coming.
"It was just heart-warming she's able to come out and show her support for our community and what happened," said Mandeep Ahuja.
Others also appreciated the gesture but wondered why it took two weeks for someone from the White House to visit. Attorney General Eric Holder attended the public memorial service whereas President Obama visited Aurora, Colorado himself.
"It's not just us," said Kanwardeep Singh Kaleka, "There are mosques that have been burned down and there's a lot of people I think who've been affected by some level of terrorism that haven't really received the full support of the government."
Everyone in the temple was unanimous in their praise for the Oak Creek community and particularly, injured police lieutenant Brian Murphy. Worshipers signed a 'Welcome Home' banner for him in the temple's lobby.
"I just want to thank him for his bravery and courage that day, he saved so many other lives," Ahuja said.
The First Lady's visit will bring back national attention to both Murphy's recovery and the temple's mourning. Members of the Sikh community say they hope it doesn't end there.
"It's exciting and I think it's the start of something but I think a couple steps forward would be even better," Kaleka said.
Tickets to the Michelle Obama event are available starting Tuesday, August 21 at 9 a.m. at the following locations:
Organizing for America – Northside Milwaukee
8550 West Brown Deer Road
Milwaukee, WI 53224
Organizing for America – Downtown Milwaukee
231 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Organizing for America – West Allis
5160 West Forest Home Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53219
Organizing for America – Waukesha
805 Clinton Street
Waukesha, WI 53816
Organizing for America – Racine
606 6th Street
Racine, WI 53403
Organizing for America – Madison
302 East Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703