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L.A. Police Increase Patrols Around Local Sikh Temples in Wake of Deadly Wisconsin Shooting [UPDATED]
Sikh Easter Day Parade (Photo by STERLINGDAVISPHOTO via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
The greater Los Angeles area is home to five Sikh temples, and those within the jurisdiction of the L.A. Police Department will see increased patrols in the wake of Sunday's fatal shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
Officer Norma Eisenman of the LAPD said patrols were stepped up around Sikh temples in North Hollywood, Canoga Park, Pico-Robertson, and in Los Feliz.
Sikh temples are known as Gurdwaras, which is Punjab for "gateway to the guru." They are gathering places for learning, worship, and ceremonies.
Elsewhere in L.A. County there is a Sikh temple in Alhambra. Additionally there are two in Orange County, in Santa Ana and Buena Park respectively.
UPDATED 11:30 AM: The LAPD issued a news release to expand upon their efforts to ensure the local Sikh community was safe:
As news broke of the Wisconsin shooting, the LAPD contacted local and Federal partners through the Joint Regional Information Center (JRIC) and the National Operations Center (NOC). The LAPD maintained contact throughout the day to receive updated information to determine if there was a nexus to the Los Angeles Area Sikh community. The information thus far does not indicate any threat for our Sikh temples in Los Angeles. LAPD officers from the CTSOB reached out and contacted local Sikh community and religious leaders to offer assistance and to provide updated, accurate information on the shooting and any connection to the LA area.
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