Several People Killed After Shots Fired At
Sikh Temple, Wisconsin
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It hasn’t been even a month since the Aurora shooting and while we were trying to recover from that we got the news of another shooting that happened this morning during a Sunday service at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.
Police were called to respond to the shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in the suburb of Oak Creek on Sunday morning, when witnesses said several dozen people were gathering for a service. Police say that four people were found dead inside the the temple, at least 7 people were killed including a gunman.
According to the Journal Sentinel, there could be as many as 30 victims; among those shot was the president of the temple.
Sunny Singh, 21, of Milwaukee, said a friend pulled into the temple’s parking lot, heard shots and saw two people fall down. The friend then saw the shooter reload his weapons and head to the temple’s entrance, Singh said.
“Since I’ve been alderman, for about three years, there has never been any trouble, or any problems,” County Alderman Dan Jakupczyk told Fox News of the temple. “They have been good citizens.”
Obama released a statement in response to the shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin on Sunday
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.
Mitt Romney’s statement on the shooting:
Ann and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of today’s shooting in Wisconsin. 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.
Sikhism is a monotheistic faith that was founded in South Asia more than 500 years ago. It has roughly 27 million followers worldwide. Observant Sikhs do not cut their hair; male followers often cover their heads with turbans — which are considered sacred — and refrain from shaving their beards. There are roughly 500,000 Sikhs in the U.S., according to estimates. The majority worldwide live in India.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
