It was Sunday morning, August 5th, when a man opened fire at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, killing six and critically injuring three innocents, including an Oak Creek police officer.
That was over two weeks ago.
Although Eric Holder attended the memorial service for the victims on August 10th, some in the community feel his presence was an inadequate response from the Obama administration.
On Thursday, Michelle Obama will be visiting southeast Wisconsin and paying her respects to the Sikhs, nearly three weeks after the horrific shooting, and nearly two weeks after Mitt Romney selected Wisconsin's Paul Ryan to be his VP running mate, and after polls show Wisconsin is going to be tougher for Obama to win in November.
Note: Paul Ryan attended the memorial on August 10th.
According to FOX6, news of Michelle Obama's visit received mixed reaction.
Video.
The White House confirmed Sunday First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to Southeast Wisconsin. She will visit Thursday to visit family members of the six people killed in the Aug. 5 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.
Many worshipers said Sunday it meant a lot to hear the First Lady was coming.
“It was just heart-warming she’s able to come out and show her support for our community and what happened,” said Mandeep Ahuja.
Others also appreciated the gesture but wondered why it took two weeks for someone from the White House to visit. Attorney General Eric Holder attended the public memorial service whereas President Obama visited Aurora, Colorado himself.
“It’s not just us,” said Kanwardeep Singh Kaleka, “There are mosques that have been burned down and there’s a lot of people I think who’ve been affected by some level of terrorism that haven’t really received the full support of the government.”
Everyone in the temple was unanimous in their praise for the Oak Creek community and particularly, injured police lieutenant Brian Murphy. Worshipers signed a ‘Welcome Home’ banner for him in the temple’s lobby.
I'm sure Michelle Obama will be welcomed warmly by the Sikh community.
At least someone from the White House is coming in the wake of the terror.
Better late than never.
Too bad Obama himself won't make room in his busy fundraising schedule to visit, address the community and comfort them.
It's all about priorities.
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