Questions Remain In Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting [UPDATE]
By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 6, 2012 3:00PM
Authorities in Oak Creek, Wis. Are treating Sunday’s shooting at a Sikh Temple as “domestic terrorism” while investigating a motive into the shooting there that left seven dead, including shooter Wade Michael Page.
The 40-year-old Page was killed after he ambushed a police officer who tried to attend to two wounded worshippers. A combination of local police, sheriff’s officials and federal agents searched a duplex in nearby Cudahy, Wis. and evacuated several nearby homes. Teresa Carlson, special agent in charge with the FBI’s Milwaukee division, released a statement Sunday night that read, “While the FBI is investigating whether this matter might be an act of domestic terrorism, no motive has been determined at this time.”
Page served in the Army between April 1992 and October 1998, first as a missile repairman and later as a psychological operations specialist, and was demoted in rank while during his time in service. Local media outlets reported that he had several tattoos, including one commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on his arm. He’s also believed to been a member of a hardcore band called End Apathy whose lyrics and imagery contain Neo Nazi subtext.
Witnesses to the shooting said Page calmly entered the temple with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun as members entered for meditation and began shooting. Among the six Page killed was the temple’s president, Satwant Kaleka. Kaleka’s son, Amardeep Kaleka, said his father tried to tackle Page.
President Barack Obama released a statement Sunday expressing his grief at the shootings.
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.
Update: President Obama made an official proclamation this afternoon ordering flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States, its Territories and possessions and embassies until sunset, Aug. 10, 2012 in honor of the victims of the shooting.