Wisconsin Shooting: Several People Killed After Shots Fired At Sikh Temple

[Marissa]

Wisconsin Shooting: Several People Killed After Shots Fired At Sikh Temple (LIVE UPDATES)

Posted: 08/05/2012 12:58 pm Updated: 08/05/2012 5:27 pm


A mass shooting took place in the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Patch reported.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning in Oak Creek.

(CLICK HERE OR SCROLL DOWN FOR LATEST UPDATES)

Police say that seven people were killed, including a gunman. Four of the dead were inside the temple, while three were outside. According to police, an officer was shot multiple times by the gunman and is currently in surgery.

Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said the temple shooting is being treated as a "domestic-type terrorist incident," and that the FBI is handling the criminal investigation.

This is a developing story... Click HERE for the latest updates, HERE for the latest from the AP.

[Marissa]

 7:06 PM – Today
My Heart Aches As I Write This'
A Christian pastor in a neighboring town to Oak Creek offers help in community blog post

"Let us look for ways that we can help and love the people that are directly affected by this horrific act," he wrote.

Read the whole piece here.
6:58 PM – Today
'This Type Of Crime Strikes At Very Foundation Of Religious Freedom'

Statement from Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF):

    "The Sikh American community, like all Americans, is shocked after this attack,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “We mourn the loss of those who were killed today and pray for the swift recovery of the those injured, including the veteran police officer who put himself in harm's way to protect his community.”

    SALDEF thanks our friends and neighbors from across the country for the outpouring of support and condolences as we come together to mourn and heal as one unified national community standing together against violence and bigotry.

    “This attack is particularly troubling due to its occurrence at a place of worship,” said Mr. Singh. “All houses of worship, like this gurdwara, are places of peace. Attacks at any of the nation’s houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans. This type of crime strikes at the very foundation of religious freedom, among the fundamental principles upon which this country was built."

6:55 PM – Today
Oldest Muslim Organization In U.S. Weighs In

A statement by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, the oldest Muslim organization in the United States:

    Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA – the oldest Muslim organization in America – strongly condemns this morning’s senseless shooting on worshipers gathered at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in the city of Oak Creek, near Milwaukee. While details of the attack continue to emerge, such brutality and hatred does not represent the otherwise tolerant and peaceful relationships between faith communities in this nation, and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA calls on all people of conscience to condemn this act. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA extends its prayers, condolences and sympathy to the Sikh community and hopes that justice will be established as law enforcement search for the suspect.

Full statement here.

[Marissa]

Report: Residence Being Searched Was Vacant Until Recently
NewsHub    @ NewsHub : Woman in Cudahy neighborhood where FBI is searching a duplex says residence had been vacant until recently. #templeshooting

6:50 PM – Today
'Our Society Is Based On Freedoms Of Religion'

A statement by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation:

    "The Milwaukee Jewish community stands in solidarity with the Sikh community, and we offer assistance to the community, especially to the families of the victims. While we don't know many details at this point, this may well be an intentional attack on the Sikhs which would make the massacre even more heinous. Our society is based on freedoms of religion and due process of law. We hope that law enforcement will find and hold accountable all parties involved in this senseless and shocking tragedy."

6:46 PM – Today
HuffPost Blogger: 'Fear And Negativity Are Foreign To Our Vocabulary'
HuffPost blogger Simran Jeet Singh weighs in:

    As a Sikh, I believe that people are inherently good. Our faith instills a sense of perpetual optimism, and our traditions teach us to always make the best of a tough situation.

    Fear and negativity are foreign to our vocabulary. Sikhs are not a God-fearing people; we are God-loving.

    The commitment to love and optimism shapes the way that Sikhs interact with their societies, and I'm concerned that becoming cynical and negative might lead us down a slippery slope.

    So I am making a conscious decision. I am refusing to accept that human beings are malicious and hateful, and I am rejecting the notion that we need to live in fear.

6:43 PM – Today
Police Evacuate Homes In Area North Of Sikh Temple

From the AP:

    CUDAHY, Wis. — Police in Wisconsin have evacuated homes in a Milwaukee suburb northeast of the Sikh temple where an unknown gunman killed six Sunday morning.

    The evacuations are in Cudahy, which is about six miles from the temple in Oak Creek.

    Police have roped off four blocks in a neighborhood with a mix of duplexes and single-family homes, as well as one house.

    FBI agents are there with an armored truck, a trailer and other vehicles. Other law enforcement officers are there too, along with a police dog.

    Fifty-eight-year-old Ken Kacner lives about a block from the house that police have targeted.

    Kacner says neighborhood has changed over the years and has become more dangerous.

[Marissa]

 6:41 PM – Today
House Surrounded In Cudahy
RaniaKhalek    @ RaniaKhalek : Tank, canine unit, FBI, ATF & more equipment surround Cudahy home where residents are being evacuated #TempleShooting http://t.co/1TatWT14

6:36 PM – Today
PHOTO: FBI Evidence Response Team

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter tweets:

FBI Evidence Response team on the scene in Cudahy with serious equipment. ow.ly/i/PhcP #templeshooting

Owly Images
6:12 PM – Today
Brady Campaign Releases Statement

Brady Campaign President Dan Gross today released the following statement in response to the mass shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community of Oak Creek after today's terrible shooting at the Oak Creek Sikh Temple in Wisconsin. This is yet another powerful reminder of the need for a real national conversation about what we can do to prevent gun violence tragedies, and for our elected officials and presidential candidates to participate in that conversation by offering real plans to do something about it. There have now been 61 mass shootings since the tragedy last year in Tucson and 100 school shootings since the one at Columbine High School. Tomorrow, another 32 Americans will be murdered by guns.

    The American people from across the political spectrum are calling for solutions. We know that we are better than this. It is time for our elected officials and presidential candidates to show us that they know it too.

5:54 PM – Today
Lawmaker Says 'No Room' For Such Violence

Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) has been a leader on Sikh-American issues in Congress, spearheading an effort this spring to get the Justice Department to better collect data on hate crimes against this community.
His statement on Sunday's shooting:

    I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families and community of those injured and killed in today’s tragic shooting, and I join the people of Wisconsin and the entire Sikh-American community in mourning. There is no room in any society for such violence.

    While we do not yet know the motivations of this senseless act and it’s important to wait for more information from law enforcement, we do know that Sikh-Americans are too often the victims of intolerance and hate. Today we all grieve for those lost in this tragic event.

-- Amanda Terkel

[Marissa]

[Marissa]

 5:49 PM – Today
Westboro Baptist Church Responds To Shooting In Predictably Horrific Manner

Just minutes after it was reported that people had been shot at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin, the hatemongers at Westboro Baptist Church were tweeting out: 'God Sent Another Shooter.'

Read the whole story here.
5:38 PM – Today
'Shocked And Deeply Saddened'

The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR), an umbrella organization representing Sikhs in the United States, released this statement on Sunday:

    The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) is shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless shooting which occurred earlier today at the Sikh Gurdwara of Wisconsin in Oak Creek near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has been reported that a suspect opened fire on a weekly congregation of the Sikhs while a reading of the Sikh scripture was in progress. Current reports say that there are 7 deaths, including an assailant, and many injured. One brave police officer was also one of those injured.

    WSC-AR offers its condolences and support to the victims, their families, the law enforcement agencies (especially the police officer shot in the line of duty) and the surrounding community. This is a troubling day, not only for Sikh-Americans, but also for all Americans.

    In the coming days, along with Sikh advocacy organizations, we will be working with public officials, and law enforcement authorities, to understand the events of today and to help the community in whatever way we can. The Council will also be providing support mediums for our interreligious partners and the public as we sort out this situation. This shooting comes on the heels of another tragedy, as our country continues to recover from the senseless shootings in Aurora, Colorado.
    We urge all to pray for the victims, their families and friends, and the surrounding community. We also express our gratitude towards the law enforcement authorities for their prompt and effective response to the situation as it unfolded. We offer our appreciation for the bravery of the police officer shot, offer condolences, and pray that he will recover fully soon. As we learn more about the situation, we will keep the public updated and informed. We thank you for your patience and prayers during these difficult times.

5:36 PM – Today
NJ Sikh Leaders Call For More Education After Shooting

From Bridgewater Patch:

    "Unfortunately, our history books and our schools, they're not that informative about our culture and religion," Jaskaran Singh said. "There has been a case of mistaken identity...some people think we're Muslim, some consider us Hindus."

    The religion has approximately 1 million members in the United States and have been living here for a century, according to Gurinderjit Singh.
    The Garden State Sikh Association will discuss possible ways to help the families in Oak Creek, in an attempt to provide financial assistance or in any way that is needed.

Read the whole story here.
5:29 PM – Today
Update On Obama Briefing
From the White House Press Office:

    At 4:30PM EDT, the President convened a call with FBI Director Bob Mueller, Chief of Staff Jack Lew, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan to receive an update on the tragic shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Following that briefing, the President called Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi and trustee of the Sikh Temple Charanjeet Singh to express his condolences for the lives lost and his concern for those who were injured.

    During the briefing, the President was informed that the situation at the Sikh Temple was under control and that the lone gunmen was killed by an Oak Creek police officer. The President also was updated on the condition of some of the victims of the attack, and he directed that the federal government assist as appropriate in the investigation into the shooting. The President said that he wanted to make sure that as we denounce this senseless act of violence we also underscore how much our country has been enriched by our Sikh Community, who are an integral part of our broader American family.

[Marissa]

 5:19 PM – Today
Report: Police Searching Suspect's House
stevebruskCNN    @ stevebruskCNN : Susan Candiotti reports police are now executing a search warrant at suspected gunman's home, "a short distance" from the temple

5:17 PM – Today
Wisconsin Senator Responds To Shooting

Statement from Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.):

    This is a tragic day for our city and for all communities of faith who share grief and concern for the victims of today’s shooting and their loved ones. We also share a deep gratitude to our law enforcement officers. Our prayers are with Milwaukee’s entire Sikh community and we wish them comfort and peace.‬

4:54 PM – Today
Obama Calls Walker

President Obama called Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), according to tweets from the governor.

"Appreciated the call from the President. It is a sad day for the Sikh community, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and America," he wrote on Sunday evening. "Mentioned to the President that the FBI was part of an excellent team effort of local, state & federal authorities on site."

"Appreciate statements of support from President Obama, Gov Romney and many other officials and organizations," he added.

-- Amanda Terkel
4:54 PM – Today
Oak Creek Mayor Tweets
OCMayorSteve    @ OCMayorSteve : The city of Oak Creek is outraged by this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the families and victims of this tragic event.

4:51 PM – Today
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan Reacts

    Paul Ryan

        ✔

    @RepPaulRyan

    My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and everyone in Oak Creek who has been impacted by this tragic act of violence.
    5 Aug 12

        Reply
        Retweet
        Favorite

4:50 PM – Today
Pennsyvlania Sikhs React
Nazareth Patch reports:

    "We need protection here, too," said Jaswinder Singh, a committee member at the local Sikh temple. "We’re not feeling safe."

    While children -- some too young to understand the gravity of the situation in Wisconsin -- giggle and run down the temple's hallways, Singh said older members are hesitant and scared to come to temple.

    "Everyone is calling and contacting the committee, asking if it's safe to come to the temple," he added.

Read more here.
4:45 PM – Today
Wisconsin Rep. Reacts To Shooting

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) released the following statement in response to the shooting at a Sikh temple:
"I am deeply saddened by today's events which took the lives of these innocent members of our community. My thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those that have lost loved ones as well as the families of those injured in this senseless act of violence.

"I will continue to monitor this situation as it develops."

-- Luke Johnson

[Marissa]

 4:42 PM – Today
Massachusetts Sikhs Worry About Religious Freedom

From Milford Patch:

    Malkit Singh Gill, president of the New England Sikh Study Circle in Milford, said it’s unfortunate that religion is the cause for persecution in the land of the free.

    “I think this is very tragic,” Gill said. “The country was founded on the belief that there should be no religious persecution.”

    Gill said that there are more than 500,000 Sikhs in this country, and their temples are open to anyone, however he is unsure what comes after this.

    “I need to be thinking about what the next step is for the temple. We are hard working peace loving people and it’s sad that one person is trying to put fear in to us,” Gill said.

Read the whole thing here.
4:34 PM – Today
Congregant Reacts To Shooting

A Sikh congregant reacted with confusion and resolve to a local television station following the shooting.

He told TODAY TMJ4 that he was not angry. "We're just confused. Was this a random act? Was this because of the way we look?"

"In our Holy Book, it says, 'Don't hate anybody. God is without hate or fear.' We don't hate anybody."

He said he didn't think anyone in the congregation was afraid to go back and that he would.

-- Luke Johnson
4:30 PM – Today
Sikh Coalition Responds To Shooting

The Sikh Coalition, a nonprofit group defending civil rights for Sikhs created in the aftermath of the violence against members of the religion following the 9/11 attacks, responded to the shooting earlier Sunday on its Facebook page:

    The Sikh Coalition's prayers and thoughts go out to the victim's of today's shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin. We are monitoring the situation and have been in touch with federal authorities and local sangat members regarding the situation.

--Luke Johnson
4:23 PM – Today
Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards

Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards confirmed that seven people were killed and three people were injured in a shooting at a Sikh temple sunday morning.

He said the initial 9/11 call came in around 10:30 a.m., and police responded, finding one person injured. An officer was attending to the injured person when he was ambushed and shot multiple times by the suspect. A second officer then arrived, was shot at by the suspect, and then returned fire, killing him, said Edwards.

"It's taken most of the day to clear that area, the church itself and the surrounding area, because of the conflicting reports we got about how many people were involved," he said.

The FBI will be handling the criminal investigation and it will be treated as a domestic terrorist incident.

Another press conference will be held Monday morning at 10 a.m. central time.

Edwards said the injured officer still has family that needs to be notified. He offered no information on the suspect.

Everyone has been evacuated from the temple.
4:05 PM – Today
Shooter Reportedly Carrying One Gun
NBCNews    @ NBCNews : Law enforcement official tells @PeteWilliamsNBC that Sikh temple shooter was dressed in tactical gear, armed with single handgun

3:59 PM – Today
Update From Froederdt Hospital

From the AP:

    A Milwaukee hospital is treating the police officer shot at a Sikh temple south of the city and two other victims. All are in critical condition.

    Froederdt Hospital Chief Medical Office Lee Biblo says the three victims of the shooting in suburban Oak Creek are all adult men. The hospital did not immediately identify the police officer or the other two victims.

    Hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Bellin says one of the victims had gunshot wounds to the face and extremities, and another had wounds to his abdomen. She did not know which was the police officer, or the nature of the third victim's wounds.

    Police said earlier the officer is expected to survive.

    Bellin says the hospital is not expecting any more shooting victims.

3:57 PM – Today
Red Truck In The Parking Lot

Authorities have been searching a red truck in the parking lot, according to the livestream from NBC.
3:38 PM – Today
Obama Releases Statement

President Obama released a statement in response to the shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin on Sunday. The statement, in full:

    Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. 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.

[Marissa]

Obama Reacts To Wisconsin Shooting

Posted: 08/05/2012 4:50 pm




President Barack Obama expressed sadness in a statement responding to the mass shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on Sunday.

"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin," he said. "At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded."

Obama continued, "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."

The tragic shooting resulted in numerous deaths and left multiple victims in critical condition. The gunman was among those killed in the incident.

Addressing the tragedy in a statement, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney said, "Ann and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of today’s shooting in Wisconsin." He added, "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."

[Marissa]

Another day in United States of America where it is easier to buy guns than to vote. Until something is done about the second amendment this type to shooting will keep occurring more and more. Isn't it time for the United States to take a stand on handguns and firearms and join all the other nations of the world where only law enforcement and military can buy guns?

[Marissa]

'DOMESTIC TERRORIST' OPENS FIRE AT TEMPLE
7 Killed, Including Gunman... Multiple Victims In Critical Condition

[Marissa]

[Marissa]

[Marissa]

[Marissa]