In response to the police officials said Sunday afternoon they will ramp up security at local temples around the city.
“The NYPD is increasing coverage in and around Sikh temples in New York City today, including the deployment of Critical Response Vehicles, as a precaution in the wake of the Wisconsin shooting," said Paul Browne, the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.
"There is no known threat against Sikh temples in New York City, however, the coverage is being put in place out of an abundance of caution,” Browne said.
Calls to two area Gurdwaras, the Sikh Center of New York and Sikh Sabha of New York—both located in Flushing—were unanswered.
“The Sikh Coalition’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the
shooting, the Sikh community of Milwaukee, and the larger community of
Wisconsin, which we know will stand with their Sikh neighbors with
their support and prayers during this very trying time,” said Sapreet Kaur, executive director of the New York-based organization.
As of Sunday afternoon, Wisconsin officials said during the attack in Oak Creek, including the gunman. Dozens more were reportedly injured during the shooting.
Just weeks ago, at movie theaters throughout all five boroughs in response to the mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises.
