Locals react to deadly Sikh temple shooting

SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. (WSVN) -- The South Florida Sikh community is devastated by the deadly shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

Monday evening, Sikh members held a special service at 16000 Stirling Road Monday evening, for anyone of any religion to attend.

Sikhs from across the tri-county area attended Monday's service to pray for the victims of Wisconsin's shooting. "To be feeling that you are not safe in your house of worship is very saddening," said Sikh worshipper Damanjeet Sing.

The Sikhs also utilized the service as a way to enlighten South Florida residents about sikhism, a religion rooted in northern India. Sikh worshipper Guru Jiwan Singh Khalsa said, "These things seem to be happening these days, and they're happening all over, and so because we stand out, the way we dress, the way we look and the Sikh way of life that we practice, we're easy targets."

Sikhs believe all religions worship the same God and do not believe in religious discrimination. They are also a non-violent group. "You don't hate other people because they are different than you are," Sikh worshipper Narinder Singh Jolly said. "We are very American, but people have not come to know us."

Candles illuminated the Southwest Ranches sikh temple, the only one of its kind in South Florida. Worshippers said prayers to God for all humans to have tolerance and acceptance of others, regardless of race, faith or gender. "For other souls that are out there who have hatred in them, may God help them change that hatred into love," Sing said.

Sikh officials are extending an invitation to anyone of any religion to attend their normal service at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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