SHAWNEE, Kan. — Members of the Kansas City-area Sikh community gathered in Shawnee on Friday night to remember the victims of last Sunday’s mass shooting at a Wisconsin Sikh temple.
Six people were killed in the shooting at the suburban Milwaukee temple. Police say that the suspected shooter, Wade Michael Page, was shot in the stomach by authorities before he took his own life.
At the Sikh Gurudwara temple in Shawnee, Sikhs and people of other faiths gathered for a prayer vigil to remember those slain in Wisconsin.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback spoke at the vigil, saying that all Americans – regardless of faith – stand united against hate.
“I hope we show that we stand for all religious communities, that all are protected and valued in the United States no matter who they are,” said Brownback. “This tragedy is now a part of our American history, but let it not be a part of our future. We will not tolerate these things happening.”
On Sunday, 25 million people are expected to gather at Sikh temples around the world for a service to remember those who died. The service at Sikh Gurudwarwa, set for 10:30 a.m. will be open to all people, regardless of faith.