Sikh shooting brings back memories for Las Vegas family - FOX5 Vegas - KVVU
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Many in Southern Nevada's Sikh community have been witnesses to bigotry and religious intolerance. They're praying for the victims of Sunday's shooting and remembering loved ones who have also been attacked for their beliefs.
The tragedy in Wisconsin brings back painful memories for Satpal Kaur who lost her son-in-law to gun violence in March 2011.
"It's too much pain," Kaur said.
Amanpreet Mander was the owner of a local 7-Eleven. He was shot to death in front of a Wells Fargo Bank at Sunset and Eastern. Metro police said the killer was after Mander's money, but his family remains convinced he was targeted because of his turban.
"There is no other motive I can see except it was a hate crime," said Amar Chadha in Gurduara Baba Deep Singh. "In front of Wells Fargo there was 10 to 20 people. No one else was shot. He was the only one targeted."
Since Mander's killing, his two young sons have cut their hair and don't wear turbans anymore. It may take them several years to understand what happened to their father.
"'Where's my father?,'" Kaur said, describing his sons' questions. "'I want dad. I want to see dad.'"
In the wake of Sunday's shooting, Chadha has asked police to increase patrols around the temple. He also plans to install new security cameras to protect worshippers.
"We never ever thought what happened Sunday could happen," Chadha said. "I don't understand why someone would come in a temple where people come and pray for peace. This is only place we thought was the safest place on this earth. Now you don't have that."
On Wednesday, the Sikh temple in northwest Las Vegas will have a service for the victims of the Wisconsin shooting. It will be from 7-9 p.m. at the temple on Lone Mountain. People of all faiths are welcome to attend to pray and show support.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
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