Washington, U.S.A. — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said  that American Muslims “stand with their Sikh brothers and sisters” following a deadly shooting attack targeting a house of worship of that faith in Wisconsin.

In a statement, the Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization said:

“While details of the attack and the motivation of the attacker are still emerging, American Muslims stand with their Sikh brothers and sisters in this time of crisis and loss. We condemn this senseless act of violence, pray for those who were killed or injured and offer sincere condolences to their loved ones.”

CAIR officials are in contact with the Milwaukee Muslim community as it offers support to its Sikh neighbors.

Because of this and other violent incidents, CAIR is urging mosques and houses of worship of all faiths nationwide to review advice on security procedures contained in its “Muslim Community Safety Kit.”

CAIR has in the past spoken out against bias-motivated attacks on American Sikhs. Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.

Last year, CAIR offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals who gunned down two elderly Sikh men in Elk Grove, Calif.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, President of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, also condemned the Wisconsin shooting. He stated: “Once again our attention is focused on an inexplicable act of violence by a gunman who has killed at least six people and injured several more, including a police officer.

“The nation’s mayors express their outrage at yet another mass shooting and send their condolences to the victims, their families, and their community. Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi is in our thoughts and prayers today as he helps his city cope with this tragedy.”

“This shooting occurred as people prepared for a morning worship service in the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek. While we don’t yet have information about the shooter’s motives, the weapons used, or how he obtained them, we do know that once again guns have been used in a mass killing of innocent people.

“Just 17 days have passed since the tragic shooting in Aurora. The U.S. Conference of Mayors repeats its call for reasonable changes in our gun laws and regulations that could help to prevent senseless tragedies such as the one that has shocked Oak Creek and the nation.”

image Courtesy of   ICPJ

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