Washignton DC, Feb 24, 2020 (Yes Punjab News)
Following series of hate-driven attacks over the past year against communities across the United States, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) increased the threat posed by white supremacist extremists from moderate to high in 2020, joining homegrown violent extremists as the most persistent hostile actors in New Jersey.
White supremacists officially pose a bigger threat to New Jersey than both, ISIS and Al Qaeda. “The ever-changing threat landscape in New Jersey and around the country requires us to adjust our strategies to anticipate new threats while remaining ready to combat those already existing,” said Jared Maples, director of the NJOHSP.
While United Sikhs is unaware of any threats made against Gurdwaras in the United States, we are urging worshippers across the nation to be vigilant. “If you see something, say something. If you suspect something suspicious call 911,” said Gurvinder Singh, United Sikhs director.
“Since 9/11, Sikh Americans have faced discrimination and violence because of their appearance. Those in the Sikh community are easy targets for bigots and hatemongers because they often express their religion through the use of the turban and wear long beards. The turban is often associated with terrorism; this assumption is hurting the Sikh community,” Singh added.
“We have seen a sharp increase in the number of Sikhs who have filed reports of violent and hateful incidents through our online portal,” Singh said. “We would like to see our elected officials spend more of their time and resources combating domestic threats against brown and black Americans of all cultures and faiths. We are all Americans and deserve equal protections under the law.” Singh concluded.
United Sikhs fears the anti-immigrant, anti-foreigner and white-supremacist rhetoric from political leaders has emboldened nationalists and white supremacists to carry out these bold acts of hate.
In lieu of these continuing attacks, United Sikhs offers active shooter training to Gurdwaras and community based organizations in an effort to minimize casualties and enhance preparedness for all interested communities.
