Nevada leaders offer condolences after shooting at Sikh temple in Wisconsin

associated press

People watch police personnel outside the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisc., where a shooting took place Sunday, Aug 5, 2012.

By Cristina Chang

Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012 | 5:53 p.m.

Nevada officials are offering support and condolences to victims of the shooting at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin.

A gunman opened fire at the temple in Oak Creek, Wis., killing six people. The gunman was killed by a police officer. The shootings are being treated as an act of domestic terrorism.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved one of the victims of this tragic shooting, those that were injured, and the entire Oak Creek community,” said Rep. Shelley Berkley in a written statement. Berkley called the shooting an “act of senseless violence” that was “especially alarming” because it took place at a house of worship. She added that her thoughts were with the Sikh community in Nevada and around the country.

Hindi leaders are also condemning the shooting and offering condolences to the victims. Hindus make up the dominant religious group in India.

In a written statement, Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism and director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, said the Hindi community stands in solidarity with “the Sikh brothers and sisters.” He called the shooting “a senseless and shocking violence on a group of worshippers” and urged Hindus to pray for the victims and their families.