Sikh temple under construction in suburban Detroit is vandalized

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — An advocacy group has asked authorities to investigate the vandalism of a Sikh house of worship under construction in suburban Detroit.

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund said Tuesday the vandalism happened in Sterling Heights at the site of the planned gurdwara, or temple. The group says it was vandalized between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Graffiti included racial epithets, drawings of what appear to be a cross and gun, and references to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Detroit FBI spokesman Simon Shaykhet declined comment.

The temple is expected to be finished this summer.

Sikhism developed in northern India. Sikhs in the U.S. have occasionally been the target of anti-Muslim sentiment because they wear turbans and have beards.