Mixed reaction to news of Michelle Obama visit

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First lady visiting Sikh temple

First lady visiting Sikh temple

OAK CREEK -- The White House confirmed Sunday First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to Southeast Wisconsin. She will visit Thursday to visit family members of the six people killed in the Aug. 5 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.

Many worshipers said Sunday it meant a lot to hear the First Lady was coming.

"It was just heart-warming she's able to come out and show her support for our community and what happened," said Mandeep Ahuja.

Others also appreciated the gesture but wondered why it took two weeks for someone from the White House to visit. Attorney General Eric Holder attended the public memorial service whereas President Obama visited Aurora, Colorado himself.

"It's not just us," said Kanwardeep Singh Kaleka, "There are mosques that have been burned down and there's a lot of people I think who've been affected by some level of terrorism that haven't really received the full support of the government."

Everyone in the temple was unanimous in their praise for the Oak Creek community and particularly, injured police lieutenant Brian Murphy. Worshipers signed a 'Welcome Home' banner for him in the temple's lobby.

"I just want to thank him for his bravery and courage that day, he saved so many other lives," Ahuja said.

The First Lady's visit will bring back national attention to both Murphy's recovery and the temple's mourning. Members of the Sikh community say they hope it doesn't end there.

"It's exciting and I think it's the start of something but I think a couple steps forward would be even better," Kaleka said.

Tickets to the Michelle Obama event are available starting Tuesday, August 21 at 9 a.m. at the following locations:

Organizing for America – Northside Milwaukee

8550 West Brown Deer Road

Milwaukee, WI 53224

 

Organizing for America – Downtown Milwaukee

231 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Organizing for America – West Allis

5160 West Forest Home Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53219

 

Organizing for America – Waukesha

805 Clinton Street

Waukesha, WI 53816

 

Organizing for America – Racine

606 6th Street

Racine, WI 53403

 

Organizing for America – Madison

302 East Wilson Street

Madison, WI 53703