CHICAGO: The Sikh Religious Society Palatine hosted FBI Chicago Region’s Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson for a friendly visit to its Gurdwara in Palatine, a northwest suburb of Chicago, on February 26.
The visiting guests included Mr. Christopher Veatch, Assistant U.S. Attorney Northern Illinois Division and Amrith Kaur Aakre, Assistant State’s Attorney Cook County, Illinois.
The purpose of the visit was community outreach, to meet and get to know each other, and to have an informal discussion of Sikh community issues. Anderson was welcomed by the society president Mrs Jasbir Kaur Saluja, board members and community leaders. He was given a tour of the facilities.
Anderson and the group attended an informational slide presentation by Amrith Kaur Aakre about Sikhs and their issues while living in this country.He was also presented with a poster, depicting Sikh soldiers in World Wars who gallantly fought and died for the allies, by Sarwan Singh Raju.
“This meeting with FBI leadership, U.S. Attorney and Cook County State Attorney’s officers was to build and maintain cooperative relationships with law enforcement. The presentation to them was to create an awareness of Sikh appearance, turban, beard, Kirpaan, Five K’s – the articles of faith, the external tangible symbols which are constant reminders of the core Sikh values,” explained Rajinder Singh Mago, the coordinator of the event.
Anderson explained his past experience with civil rights, current job responsibilities in Chicago and his plans to increase resources for community outreach.
A free flowing cordial dialogue during Q&A session ensued where curbing the prevalent hate crimes against Sikhs, TSA issues at the airports, and mitigation of safety and security concerns were discussed.
Anderson sat on the carpeted floor to observe the Sikh worship congregation, listened to the Keertan (singing of hymns) and was invited to address the Gurdwara congregation. He introduced himself to the community and assured his personal attention in case of need. He encouraged community members to seek employment opportunities with FBI. “I like to see my staff to look like the community they are serving,” he said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Veatch, who is National Security and Cyber Crimes Section Chief and prosecutes domestic terrorism cases, also assured his cooperation and support to the community during his remarks to the Sikh leadership group meeting. He was also invited to address the Sikh congregation.
Anderson was appointed as the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of investigations Chicago Field Office in September 2015. Now in Chicago, he has made efforts to take time out to outreach various communities in his jurisdiction.
Surendra Ullal
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