Seven killed in shooting at Sikh Temple
Several people, including the suspected shooter, were killed at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
The shooting occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The Atlantic Wire reports that the chief of police briefed the media at 3:00 p.m. and confirmed seven deaths.
The first police officer to respond to the 911 call was shot multiple times and taken to a nearby hospital along with three other victims. The Journal Sentinel estimates 30 injured.
In a reaction to this shooting, Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Police Department Paul J. Browne has promised to increase coverage near Sikh temples in New York City today. In a statement, he assured New Yorkers that “There is no known threat against Sikh temples in New York City, however, the coverage is being put in place out of an abundance of caution”.
In the past year, Sikh-Americans have been targeted in New York, Michigan, Virginia, and California. In April, Rep. Joe Crowley (NY-7) called for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to collect more information on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans, who are often mistakenly connected to extremism because of their appearance.
A Fox News report states that the media has been asked not to release photos of the scene or tactical units, as this could put the police forces at risk.
