Seven die in mass shooting at Sikh temple

At least six people died yesterday when a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple near Milwaukee.

The suspected shooter was later killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, said authorities.

Police were called to the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in the suburb of Oak Creek, where witnesses said several dozen people had gathered for a service. Authorities found four people dead inside the temple and two outside, Greenfield Police chief Bradley Wentlandt said.

Sunny Singh, 21, of Milwaukee, said a friend pulled into the temple’s carpark, heard shots and saw two people fall down.

The friend then saw the shooter reload his weapons and head to the temple’s entrance.

The first police officer to arrive at the temple engaged in gunfire outside the building with a man police believe was the shooter, Mr Wentlandt said. The suspect was killed, he said.

Tactical units went through the temple, and authorities do not believe a second shooter was involved. It is unclear how many others were wounded. Mr Wentlandt said he had been told the officer who exchanged gunfire with the suspect and another person had been taken to hospitals.

He said the officer was shot multiple times, was in surgery and was expected to survive.

A spokeswoman for the area trauma centre said three victims were being treated there.

Jatin Der Mangat, 38, the nephew of the temple’s president, Satwant Singh Kaleka, said his uncle was one of those shot, but he did not know how serious his injuries were.

He was among those waiting for news when police announced the deaths. “It was like the heart just sat down. This shouldn’t happen anywhere,” he said.

Sukhwindar Nagr said he called his brother-in-law’s phone and a priest at the temple answered and told him his brother-in-law had been shot, along with three priests. The priest also said women and children were hiding in closets, Mr Nagr said.

Mr Wentlandt did not identify the suspect or say what might have motivated the shootings.

President Barack Obama said he and first lady Michelle Obama are “deeply saddened” by the killings in Wisconsin, and promised his administration will provide “whatever support is necessary” to those investigating the shooting.

“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 said in a statement issued by the White House.