At least seven people were killed and at least 30 injured during morning services Aug. 5 by at least one gunman at the Oak Creek Sikh temple in Wisconsin in a possible hate crime. None of the seven victims nor those injured have yet been identified. A witness to the scene told local reporters that temple president Satwant Singh Kaleka has been shot, but it is unclear how serious his injuries are. Other unconfirmed reports say that the temple priest may also have been shot. Others injured have been taken to local hospitals. Police have allegedly killed one suspected gunman, according to multiple reports, but he has not been identified. Unconfirmed reports say there may be more suspects inside the temple and more victims hiding in the halls. Police have asked that relatives not attempt to call relatives believed to be inside the temple for fear of alerting additional gunmen. Hostages may have been taken, according to the police. According to recent information broadcast over police radio, a witness to the shooting told law enforcement the shooter was a white male, with a heavy build, bald head and wearing a sleeveless T-shirt. He was last seen with two handguns, reported various media.
An officer who responded to the scene engaged with the suspected gunman in the parking lot. The veteran officer was shot multiple times and is in surgery at Milwaukee's Froedtert Hospital, according to a police spokesman. His condition is not known.
Flight for Life helicopters have arrived on the scene. A Wauwatosa fire truck and numerous squad cars also are on the scene. The FBI also has been called in, according to the Oak Creek Patch.
An officer who responded to the scene engaged with the suspected gunman in the parking lot. The veteran officer was shot multiple times and is in surgery at Milwaukee's Froedtert Hospital, according to a police spokesman. His condition is not known.
Women and children were gathering for a meal before an 11:30 a.m. service when the shooting occurred. There are about 500 members of congregation, said officials.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker immediately issued a statement: “While the situation in Oak Creek continues to develop rapidly, we are working with the FBI and local law enforcement. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as we all struggle to comprehend the evil that begets this terrible violence.”
“The Sacramento Sikh Community, like our brother and sisters across the country, is dismayed to learn of the horrible tragedy unfolding in the Milwaukee area today,” said Darshan Mundy, a spokesman for the Sacramento Sikh Temple.
“The Sikh community has been the subject of many attacks over the years and since 9-11. At times like this, we must rely on our faith and join as a community to deal with this tragedy,” he said.
“Sikhs across the country today mourn with the families that have lost loved ones in the Milwaukee area Sikh Temple tragedy,” said Amar Shergill, local attorney and spokesperson for the American Sikh Political Action Committee. “This is not the first time that our community has been forced to deal with assaults and murderous attacks, particularly since 9-11. After the murder of two Sikh grandfathers in Elk Grove, we were blessed to receive support from many local religious communities and the community at large. We know that this latest tragedy is not representative of the true nature of our country,” he said.
The Indian embassy in Washington called the shootings a "tragic incident," and said it has been in touch with the National Security Council and local authorities to monitor the situation. our country"
