A shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin has saddened but not shocked members of Calgary’s Sikh community.

Eighteen-year-old Stanam Saprai, who moved to Calagry in 2002 from India, says the tragedy is something she's familiar with.

“I really feel bad because I understand their situation because this had happened in India and I've experienced it before too,” she said.

Stanam Saprai, originally from India, said unfortunately this is not the first time she has seen violence towards her culture. (CBC)

“I don't think it should be an excuse to bully someone just because they're wearing a turban. Lots of people hate our culture I guess.”

She attends Deshmash Culture Center — a temple in Calgary — on Sundays.

She says she fears going out often because of the bullying she's experienced in Calgary.

Gurbaak Dhanoa, the president of the Canadian Sikh Network in Calgary, says Sunday's attack was a form of "domestic terrorism" and part of a bigger picture.

“Our hearts go out to every individual that has been affected by this, especially the people that have passed away due to this atrocity,” he said. “They're targeted attacks against Sikhs wrongfully because of the identity issue.”

Dhanoa says Sikhs have been targeted since 9/11, with hundreds of hate crimes against the Sikh community being reported.