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Wisconsin Shooting: Members Of Local Hindu Temple React

SCRANTON — Here in Pennsylvania, the hearts of one local Hindu community go out to the victims in Wisconsin. And at the same time, a local psychology prof...

SCRANTON -- Here in Pennsylvania, the hearts of one local Hindu community go out to the victims in Wisconsin.

And at the same time, a local psychology professor has weighed in on the shooter's mentality during Sunday's massacre.

Members of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir or temple on Oak Street in Scranton, say their hearts go out to the victims of the deadly shooting at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

Members say like the Sikh religion, Swaminarayan is a form of Hinduism.

They tell us that they know what it's like to face adversity. But members say they are focused on the positive, and continue to move forward teaching their members the religion's five basic principles: leading an addiction-free life, veganism, refraining from stealing, abstaining from adultery and maintaining a pure mind, body, and soul.

The F.B.I. continues to investigate Sunday's shooting in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek, that killed six people and injured four.

And more and more information continues to come out about the lone gunman, Wade Michael Page, 40.

Officials believe he was a member of one the most extreme white supremacists groups out there.

Dr. David Palmiter, a professor of psychology and counseling at Marywood University, says one possibility: Page could have had a history of traumatic events and may have even suffered from a psychological disorder.

"In general, people don't commit acts of violence without being in great pain usually, and sometimes folks have a diagnosis of anti-social personality disorder," says Dr. David Palmiter.

Dr. Palmiter also touched on Page's role as a white supremacist.

"When one's in great pain, and they're having some need or attraction to be in conflict, they're usually looking for someone different from them in which to do that."

On a positive note, members of the Swaminarayan temple in Scranton say they are hosting a celebration of their religion this Saturday at the cultural center on Oak Street. It begins at 2 p.m. and is open to the public.

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