Sikh Temple Shooting in Wisconsin So Far

The following report was published on MotherJones.com

OAK CREEK, WI, USA—About 30 people were inside the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a suburb just south of Milwaukee, at 11:30 a.m. Sunday when gunfire broke out and at least seven people were killed, including a gunman who reportedly exchanged fire with a police officer. According to police, the gunman was killed and the officer was shot, wounding him critically. At least two other people were also injured.

President Obama, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker (statement), and the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC have been briefed on the situation.

Here’s CNN’s initial report:

Several people are reported shot at a Sikh temple in Wis.
Watch this video on YouTube.

Here’s what you need to know:

Motive?

So far there is no confirmation of the attacker’s (or attackers’) motive. Early reports describe the gunman as a bald white male in his 30s. Authorities are beginning the investigation by treating the mass shooting as a case of “domestic terrorism.” The FBI will lead the criminal investigation.

Number of shooters?

While there were multiple eyewitness accounts of multiple gunmen, police have stated that they believe there was only one perpetrator on the scene.

What weapons were used?

Not confirmed, yet, but CNN reported police sources as saying that two semi-automatic handguns were found on the scene.

Sikhs: Target of Mistaken Identity

Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest organized religion, with a global population of roughly 30 million. There are approximately 250,000 Sikhs  in the United States. Following the 9/11 attacks, Sikhs [have been] targets of harrassment and hate crimes. Here’s a report from Democracy Now! from September 2011:

Ten Years After 9/11, Little-Known Sikh Community Still Target of Violence and Harassment
Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is the statement from Greenfield police chief Brad Wentlandt:

About 10:25 am, police dispatch received multiple 9/11 calls for a shooting. 20-year law enforcement veteran was the first person on the scene. He engaged an active shooter outside the temple. Multiple rounds were exchanged, officer was shot multiple times. He is in surgery, condition unknown. The shooter was also shot. He is down on the scene and presumed deceased. Tactical officers have made multiple runs through the facility. The best information we have now. Two individuals were transported from the scene for gunshot wounds. One being the officer, one being a civilian. The tactical personnel have additional identified 4 deceased inside of the temple and three deceased outside the temple, one of whom is the shooter.

Here is the press release from the Embassy of India in Washington, DC:

We have seen reports on the tragic incident earlier today of firing at a group of worshippers in a Gurdwara in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The Embassy is seized of the situation and has been in touch with the National Security Council in Washington, D.C. Our Consulate General in Chicago too has been in close touch with the local authorities to monitor the situation. An official has been deputed to visit the site to ascertain the situation on the spot.

Obama, Romney, and Haley weigh in:

South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, whose parents are Sikh immigrants from Punjab, India, released a statement via her Facebook page: “It’s very sad to see something like this happen to a peaceful place of worship. Our prayers and condolences go out to the families of the innocent victims and the family of the heroic officer in this senseless tragedy.”

From President Obama’s statement: “My administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family.”

From Mitt Romney’s statement: “This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community. We join Americans everywhere in mourning those who lost their lives and in prayer for healing in the difficult days ahead.”

How often do these mass shootings happen and what do they have in common?:

Too often. Here’s our interactive map and guide to the last 30 years of mass shootings. This is the 57th by our count.

2 COMMENTS

  1. its very sad that peoples of other country are not safe in america , though sikhs are very peace loving people , i pray to god to give strength to all the people of america
    sher singh indian

  2. A very sad indeed and it will be even sadder if this comes out as a case of mistaken identity . Can imagine why sikhs were targets

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