Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Gunman ID'd in Sikh Temple Wisc. Shooting

A member of the temple located in nearby Norcross called the Sunday tragedy "a crime against humanity."

Update: 10:15 a.m. Aug. 6, 2012

A 40-year-old ex-Army soldier named Wade Michael Page was identified as the man who shot into a gathering of Sikh Temple worshippers in Wisconsin Sunday killing seven and wounding three others. according to an 11Alive report.

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Seven people have been killed and at least three others wounded in a .

The incident, which occurred about 12 miles from Milwaukee in Oak Creek, is being treated as domestic terrorism, officials said at the Sunday afternoon press conference.

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Local police told reporters shortly that the gunman was among the deceased, who apparently acted alone. Three people are in critical condition.

Surinder Singh, head of public relations at a Sikh temple in Norcross called the Guru Nanak Mission Society of Atlanta, spoke with Norcross Patch about the incident.

"I know a few people over there [at the Oak Creek temple], but I didn't get a chance to talk to anybody at this time," said Singh.

Do you practice the Sikh religion or know anyone that was affected by the Wisconsin shooting? Tell us in the comments.

Singh added that the Norcross congregation, which draws in around 200 people for its service every Sunday, had a special prayer for those killed and wounded. But because it hasn't been confirmed if the incident was a hate crime and that Sikhs were targeted for a specific reason, Singh was treating the situation as a "crime against humanity."

"We're definitely feeling concerned," said Singh about his temple, located at 1158 Rockbridge Rd. "But it's not about Sikhs, it's not about Hindus, it's not about anything. It's all about a crime against humanity. Being humans, we should be all concerned."

Sikh members of Oak Creek are obviously stunned and shocked. A member of the Wisconsin congregation told Oak Creek Patch:

"This is disgraceful for the community and the whole world. People come here to worship, pray and express their feelings to God. It's sad that this happened here, and I hope those victimized don't lose their faith in God."

The White House said that President Barack Obama also has been briefed on the shootings. In a statement, Obama said:

"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."

Go to the for more updates on the Sikh shooting in Wisconsin.

How do you feel about the shooting? Are you a member of the Sikh community? Tell us in the comments.


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