19 US Senators: Add Sikhs to Hate-Crime Tracking

Nineteen U.S. senators have written to Attorney General Eric Holder asking that the U.S. Justice Department begin tracking hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans.

In a letter dated Thursday, the senators referenced the Aug. 5 shooting at a Sikh temple in southeastern Wisconsin. That's where a gunman killed six Sikh worshippers and wounded three others and an Oak Creek police officer before killing himself.

The letter says Sikhs are susceptible to violence because many Sikh men wear turbans and long beards.

The Justice Department tracks hate crimes against certain religious groups. The senators want Sikhs added to that list.

A message left with the Justice Department wasn't immediately returned.

Neither Wisconsin senator was among the 19 who signed the letter. Messages left with both senators' offices weren't immediately returned.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 

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