Seven killed following church shooting

FROM CBS/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:

The suspect in a shooting that left six people dead at a Sikh temple in suburban Milwaukee on Sunday has been identified as Wade Michael Page.

Authorities confirmed to CBS News on Monday that Page was the suspect in the shooting. He was killed outside the temple in a shootout with police officers after the rampage that left terrified congregants hiding in closets and others texting friends outside for help.

Multiple sources tell CBS News that Page was a former member of the U.S. military, but he was no longer serving actively. It was not immediately clear under what circumstances Page left the military.

Officials had previously described the suspect as a heavy-set, 40-year-old Caucasian with numerous tattoos.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says it has received the bodies of the seven people who died in the?shooting.

Medical Examiner spokeswoman Karen Domagalski said autopsies will be conducted Monday morning.

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Oak Creek Police said that at least seven people are dead, including a shooter, during a massacre at and outside a Sikh temple on?Sunday.

A?police officer was also shot and was in surgery at Froedtert?Hospital, according to Greenfield Police Chief Bradley?Wentlandt who was assisting Oak?Creek Police.

He did not divulge the officer's condition but he is expected to recover.

Another police officer shot and killed the shooter.? There was no word of any injuries that he suffered.

Chief John Edwards said Sunday that they were investigating the shootings as an incident of domestic terrorism.? They believed the dead gunman was responsible, but were still searching the area.

Federal law enforcement officials told NBC News the suspected gunman had no obvious connection to domestic terror or white supremacist groups and apparently was not on any list of suspected terrorists.? The suspect was white and was in his early 40s.? While he had an arrest record, it was for minor offenses, one federal official said.

The?FBI, ATF and Milwaukee?Police are assisting Oak?Creek Police with the investigation.

Three adult men were also being treated at?Froedtert for shooting wounds. ?They were in critical condition, and one of them was going to undergo what reportedly was a "complicated procedure,"?according to a spokesman.

According to reports, one man was shot in the face and extremities, while another was shot in the stomach.

They said they were preparing for more victims in a "mass casualty incident."

The shootings happened at about 10:00 a.m. at the Sikh Temple, on the 7500 block of South Howell Avenue in Oak Creek.

A hotline has been established for family members looking for information on those involved: 1-888-298-1964.

A victims memorial fund has been set up and donations may be mailed to:
Victims Memorial Fund
Sikh Temple of Wisconsin
7512 S. Howell Ave

Police believe the shooter killed two victims outside, then went inside the temple and killed four more people.

"The emergency medical personnel, the tactical personnel who have gone through the scene, they have initially identified what they believe to be four deceased inside the temple, and three deceased outside the temple, one of whom is the shooter,"?said Wentlandt.

Police did not initially identify any additional gunman on scene, but did not rule out the possibility of additional shooters.

The president of the?Sikh Temple, Satwant Singh Kaleka, was said to be one of the shooting victims. It was not initially known if he survived.

"An officer arrived on scene.? He engaged an active shooter.? The officer was shot multiple times.? He has been transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive," said Wentlandt.?

Oak Creek?Police?Chief John Edwards said that another officer shot and killed the shooter.

"It stopped a tragic event that could have been a lot worse," said Edwards.

Pictures from Chopper 4 showed at least four people who were shot, though Oak Creek?Police did not confirm those reports.

"They went to church not knowing they might die today," said a woman who identified herself as the niece of the temple's president in an interview with Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Dan O'Donnell.

"My friend called and said 'I heard the shot, and two people falling down in the parking lot.'? He saw the shooter reloading the gun again," said witness Suni Singh to O'Donnell.

There was no initial word on how many people were inside when the shooting happened. ?The temple holds hundreds of worshipers.

The Sikh Society of?Wisconsin said they were meeting to decide how to proceed and "move forward after this tragic event. The society is headquartered in Madison. A member says the news is shocking. The society is still gathering all the information it can and will be reaching out to the Oak Creek Temple during its time of need."

"The city of Oak Creek is outraged by the senseless act of violence...our thoughts and prayers go out," said Mayor Steve?Scaffidi.

Get pictures and audio coverage here, from our news partners at 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee.

STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA:

"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."

STATMENT FROM GOVERNOR WALKER:

While the situation in Oak Creek continues to develop rapidly, we are working with the FBI and local law enforcement. I became aware of the situation late this morning and continue to receive updated briefings.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as we all struggle to comprehend the evil that begets this terrible violence.

At the same time, we are filled with gratitude for our first responders, who show bravery and selflessness as they put aside their own safety to protect our neighbors and friends.

Tonette and I ask everyone to join us in praying for the victims and their families, praying for the safety of our law enforcement and first responder professionals and praying for strength and healing for this entire community and our state.

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR RON JOHNSON:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families of yet another senseless act of violence in America. I have full confidence in the legal authorities that will be investigating this heinous crime."

Source: http://www.wiba.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=118857&article=10320995

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