Sikh men are typically identifiable by their unshorn beards and turbans ( head coverings ) , articles of their faith . Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks , and subsequent other terrorism related activities by Islamic groups , Sikhs have often been mistaken as Muslims or Arabs , and have been subject to several hate crimes , including murders . Sikh temples have also been targets of violence due to being mistaken for mosques . A 2012 shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek , Wisconsin garnered national and international attention , with then President Obama ordering flags to be half-staffed at all federal buildings
2012 shooting
Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting
Sikhism in the United States