USA: A gunman opened fire at a recruiting center and another US military site a few miles apart in Chattanooga yesterday, killing at least four Marines. The attacker was also killed. US Federal authorities said they were investigating the possibility it was an act of terrorism, and the FBI took charge of the case.
According to media reports the shooter was identified by the FBI as 24 years old Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez.
A Sikh rights group has asked Sikh-American community members to exercise caution as they become vulnerable to hate crimes following such incidents.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out the victims and their families involved in the #Chattanooga tragedy 2nite”, the Sikh Coalition wrote on Twitter.
“We also ask the Sikh American community to exercise caution and vigilance following the attack. The shooter was identified as Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez and maintained an unshorn beard,” it said.
The group said the Sikh community and other religious minorities are vulnerable to backlash, hate crimes and discrimination following such attacks.
It urged people to notify law enforcement of any threats or violence and reach out to the Sikh Coalition for assistance.
“The Sikh Coalition is in contact with federal authorities to bring attention to our community’s concerns,” it said.