Members of the Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar in Queensborough sent out a condolence message to people who were affected by Sunday's shooting in Wisconsin that claimed the life of six Sikhs.
"Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar expresses deep sympathy with the community of Wisconsin," said a statement released Monday. "Sikhs across North America had feared that such an attack could take place after 9/11, when Sikhs were mistakenly identified as Muslims."
According to the press release, members of the Sikh community began gathering at Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar as soon as they heard about the tragedy.
Prayers were then recited for the six victims, their families and the law enforcement officers who were injured, as Sikhs sought solace by comforting each other and trying to make sense of the tragedy.
The six Sikhs who were killed dur-ing a shooting rampage by 40-year old Wade Michael Page, who also died Sunday, were: a Sikh spiritual discourse giver; two volunteers; a woman; the president of the Wisconsin Gurdwara; and one unidentified person.
United States President Barack Obama ordered that flags be flown at half-mast until Friday, in honor of the victims, according to The Vancouver Sun.
"Let us pray together for the innocent victims in this hour of crisis and stand strong with the community of Wisconsin and work together as communities to prevent these senseless tragedies," said the final line of the press release.
