For Sikh students, violence hits home

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Members of the University of Texas Sikh Students association on Monday were struggling to understand the weekend violence that claimed the lives of six innocents at a temple.

"It could have happened here," Harnavneet Kaur told KXAN in an interview. "When people discriminate they have no idea why they're doing it. There's always a little bit of fear, but you realize the community is coming together you understand that you're not alone."

According to Singh Sabha Gurdwara Austin, the Greater Austin area is home to about 300 Sikhs. The organization says its members are " fully integrated into their local communities."

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"They are model citizens and form an integral part of the American diversity that enriches the lives of everyone in this area," said Mandeep Singh Chadha, Singh Sabha Gurdwara 's president.."Local leaders from various religious faiths have reached out to the Sikh community of Austin to express their solidarity and support in this trying time, for which we are grateful."

Added Mandeep Kaur, who is part of the student association: "One of the key articles of our faith is our turban. It is our identity. We want everyone to know when we go out into the community we're here for you, and we want to be your brothers and sisters as well. We don't want to just stay within our community."

The Sikh community invites the community to a candlelight vigil Tuesday night to remember the shooting victims.

It will be at 8:30 p.m. on the south steps of the Texas Capitol. You can RSVP for the event on Facebook .