The suspected shooter in the slayings of six Sikh worshippers was a 40-year-old white supremacist. But Sikhs in Florida say their religion is based on the opposite of hate.
Sikhism was founded more than 400 years ago in south Asia . It’s founded on the ideas of equality – including between men and women – service to others – and peace.
Or as the leader of the Tampa Gurdwara, Mihan Singh, told Fox 13:
“We are totally devoted to peaceful living, working for others, living in total harmony with others, to create an environment where all religions could flourish side by side, live together.”
Harbhajan Singh of Tampa Gurdwara says its hard to understand why Sihks are being targeted.
“Of course, we are concerned about such an act which is unthinkable and unacceptable to any human being with any sense," he said. "It is very difficult to understand.”
The Tampa Gurdwara, located in Thonotosassa, is planning to remember the Wisconsin victims during their service this Sunday.
There's no Census count of Sikhs in our community, but local leaders estimate about 200 Sikh families live in the Tampa Bay area.
