Members of Ottawa's Sikh community remain in shock after hearing six worshipers were shot dead in a Wisconsin temple. Three remain in critical condition.
"I strongly condemn this incident. It never should be happening at any worship place,” said Devsharan Hundal, Ottawa’s Sikh member.
“You come here to connect with God, to seek peace. This is the last place one can ever think of an act like that,” said Prabhjot Sethi.
Police have identified the man as war veteran Wade Michael Page, 40. Page was later shot dead by police. Reports say he had ties to white supremacist group.
"It's about education. It's about awareness and also has to be understanding about communities from other countries that come to live within North America," said Dalwinder Gill, Ottawa Sikh Society.
Member say since September 11th, 2001, some Sikhs have been targeted for hate crimes because of confusion between Muslims and Sikhs.
“They shouldn't be the target of a hate crime or any type of crime due to their appearance or their belonging or their colour or religion or race."
The shootings are being treated as a case of domestic terrorism and are being investigated by the FBI.
There will be a special service at Ottawa's Shkh temple for the victims and their families this Sunday.
With a report from CTV’s Kattie Griffin.
