Hundreds Remember Wisconsin Shooting Victims

Hundreds gathered Thursday night at the Sikh temple in Fairfax Station to remember those killed earlier this week.

“Our community has come together. It was not just an attack on a house of faith, this was an attack on America,” said Navdeep Singh, policy advisor for the , a national civil rights and educational organization. Singh also is a member of the Fairfax Station temple.

“You may say we should be in fear, but the Sikh community keeps their doors open,” Singh added.  

On Aug. 5, Wade Michael Page, 40, allegedly walked into a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisc. and opened fire, . He killed six people, five men and a woman, before turning the gun on himself.

The welcomed those of all faiths to the candlelight vigil held on the temple lawn. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova gave her condolences and made some brief remarks. 

“It is important to know our nation is made stronger when we come together,” Bulova said. “We stand by you in solidarity and we thank you for being a part of our community.”

Members from Muslim, Unitarian, Hindu, and the Jewish faiths also offered their thoughts at the vigil. The message at the temple was also one of wanting to educate and embrace those of all faiths. Singh explained the tenants of the religion include being hard working, being honest and serving your community.

“We can keep this love for all humanity going and keep our doors open and open them wider,” Singh said. “Keeping in the spirit of the Sikh religion, we pray for the family of the shooter as well.”

For photos from the vigil, click through the media player above.

 contributed reporting to this story.