WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- The National Sikh Center in Rockville, Maryland will hold a vigil tonight at 7. It will honor those killed in Sunday's shooting at a temple in Wisconsin.
Delia Goncalves reports on their reaction to this tragedy in the video above.
Investigators say the 40-year-old suspect left no letters indicating a motive for the temple shooting but he was an active member of white supremacist groups. Detectives say he acted alone and had no ties to the Wisconsin temple where he shot a police officer at least 8 times at close range and then walked indoors to kill 6 worshippers inside. The pain was felt all over the country and at home within Washington's close knit Sikh community. We spoke to several Sikhs at a temple in Silver Spring who told us this attack brings back terrible memories of the days post 9-11.
This violence has brought the Sikh religion into the spotlight. It traces its roots back to the 15th century in Punjab, in what is now India.
A Sikh believes in one God, in the freedom of religion, in the equality of humankind and the importance of good deeds, especially service to others, including those less fortunate.
Sikhs practice daily prayer and meditation. Community fellowship is key. Drinking and smoking are forbidden.
There are an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 Sikhs in the DC area.