Tragic Killing at Florida Sikh Gurdwara

August 23, 1998

Source: Sun-Sentinel

On August 23, 1998, one Sikh shot and killed another Sikh (and wounded two others) before shooting himself. Both men were devoted to the gurdwara. Long standing differences led to this unexpected tragedy despite the gurdwara's efforts to negotiate a reconciliation. One area of difference concerned seating in the gurdwara; this relates to humility and equality which are profound concerns in this faith tradition. Some of the media coverage was seen as problematic. "What happened at the Gurdwara could have happened at a church, a synagogue, or mosque here or in any other part of the world. Unfortunately, there will be some stereotyping of Sikhs as a violent people on account of this sad event, which is certainly not what Sikhism represents." (Editorial in the Sun-Sentinel, August 31, 1998, p.1A; articles appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Herald, and the St. Petersburg Times)