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Federal Government to Track Hate Crimes against Sikhs

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says the government will keep numbers on hate crimes against seven groups.They include Sikhs, Hindus, Arabs, Buddhists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Orthodox Christians.

The Associated Press broke the story Friday, after obtaining a copy of Holder’s decision, before he released it to the public.

The news comes just a few days before the first the anniversary of the deadly shootings at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek. Six people were killed by a white supremacist, who turned the gun on himself after he was injured – and surrounded by – police.

Sikhs have long wanted the federal government to track hate crimes against them.

According to the AP, Holder also has announced a $500,000 grant for mental health and trauma services, for people affected by the shooting at the Oak Creek temple.

Ann-Elise is WUWM's news director.