Vigil for 6 Victims in Wisconsin Shooting Brings Community Together

Flames flickered and puddles of candle wax gathered on the asphalt as prayer moved through Sikh temple parking lot Wednesday night. With uplifting words among heavy hearts, Sikhs from the region came together in a vigil for their brothers and sisters.

Displaying signs that read “United Against Hate” and “Sikh Americans for Tolerance and Respect,” the members of the Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Delaware Valley on Delsea Drive in Deptford joined together to remember the six who died in last Sunday’s Wisconsin shooting. About 75 Sikhs and non-Sikhs came out to honor the memory of those gunned down in Oak Creek this past weekend.    

“It’s a surprise, but not a shock,” said Dr. Harbhajan Chawla, one of the original founders of the local temple, in regard to the tragic shooting. 

This is not the first time Sikhs have felt such fear. After the September 11th attacks, many Sikhs were confused for Muslims. Chawla remembers walking off a bus after September 11th and being verbally harassed by a police officer, who singled him out and blamed his people for the twin tower attacks.  

Yet with five Deptford police cars parked at the temple and across the street, support from local law enforcement was in no shortage locally. 

Bhaghwant Singh Bhatti, president of the society, met with Deptford Police Chief Daniel Murphy the day before to ensure a safe and secure vigil. Bhatti said previously that during these tragic times, . 

“The main thing is to pray for the souls [of those who died] and for the families to heal,” says Bhatti.

The candlelight vigil lasted for close to an hour, as the members prayed and reflected on those who died in the attack. Non-Sikh members in the community also spoke to offer their condolences and support. 

“We have well wishes for everybody, not just one,” says Chawla.

Sikhs believe in equality among all races, a belief very different than that of . Page opened fire during service at a Sikh temple Sunday morning, killing six and wounding three others—including . 

During the vigil, several speakers extended their gratitude to Murphy for his bravery and courage. Bhatti also commended the entire police force of Oak Creek for their quick response.  

Sunny Singh, who came with his mother and father, said he believes that even though the events in Oak Creek were tragic, it could have been worse. He pointed out it was early and many deaths were probably averted, since the temple was not completely full when Page walked in and began shooting.

Singh explained that all temples have a downstairs kitchen where many eat after service, and that most probably hid out there, but said it is truly frightening to think of a place of prayer as the scene of such violence.

To view a photo gallery from the vigil, click .