Sikh civil rights group: "Houses of worship are places of peace"

OAK CREEK -- The Sikh American Legal Defense Education Fund, and the Sikh American community issued a statement following the shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek Sunday morning, August 5th.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Oak Creek community following this tragic attack at the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara.  The Sikh American community, like all Americans, is shocked after this attack.  We mourn the loss of those killed today and pray for the swift recovery of the those injured, including the veteran police officer who put himself in harms way to protect his community.

"Houses of worship, like the gurdwara, are places of peace. Attacks at any of the nation’s houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans. This type of crime strikes at the very foundation of religious tolerance, the principle upon which this country was built.

"We thank our friends and neighbors from across the country for the outpouring of support and condolences as we come together to recover from the attack."

Founded in 1996, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is the oldest Sikh American civil rights and educational organization in the country. SALDEF’s mission is to protect the civil rights of all Americans and ensure a fostering environment in the United States for Sikh Americans. SALDEF empowers Sikh Americans through educational outreach, media relations, leadership development and legal and legislative advocacy.

A hotline has been established for friends and family members of Sikh Temple members. That number is 888-298-1964.

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