Los Angeles police and officials at one of L.A.'s four Sikh temples said they were not stepping up security in the wake of today's mass killings at a Sikh temple in suburban Milwaukee that left at least six people and the gunman dead.
At least three people were seriously wounded in the mass shooting at 8:25 a.m. Pacific time in Oak Creek, a suburb south of Milwaukee. Reports from the scene indicate the victims were women and children preparing a group meal, and one police officer was wounded in a shootout with the gunman.
"We believe we have sufficient patrols in the areas where temples are located to handle any situation that might arise," said Officer Rosario Herrera, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles police. "So we are not taking any extra steps or adding extra patrols around those locations at this time."
Herrera also said the department had not received any calls from any of the local Sikh temples requesting additional patrols around their locations.
A representative at the Gurdwara Los Angeles Sikh Temple at 7640 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood told City News Service they had not added security at their location.
"Everything is okay here, but we are aware of the situation (in Milwaukee) and we are keeping a close watch around our temple," said Pawar, who identified himself as the secretary of the temple.
"But we have not hired security or requested help from the police," Pawar said.
Skih temples, which are called "gurdwara," are located in Alhambra, Buena Park, Canoga Park, Hollywood, the South Robertson district of Los Angeles, North Hollywood and Poway,
