A memorial service will be held Friday in Oak Creek for the victims of last Sunday’s shootings at a Sikh temple. The Obama Administration is stepping up its presence, as Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to speak at the memorial.
The U.S. attorney in Milwaukee, James Santelle, says he invited Holder to deliver a speech at this morning’s service, and that Holder wanted to speak. Santelle says he expects his boss to send some messages.
Some Sikh leaders in the Milwaukee area say they’re glad Holder is coming to Oak Creek. Dr. Kulwant Dhaliwal says he regards Holder as President Obama’s representative.
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But the son of the temple president who died on Sunday takes a more skeptical tone. Amardeep Kaleka says Sikhs have been calling for more consistent protection for their community across the U.S. while most Sikh men continue to wear their traditional turban and facial hair. Kaleka says he wishes President Obama or Vice President Biden was coming to the memorial.
Gov. Scott Walker is also scheduled to speak at Friday’s event.
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