Post date: Aug 05, 2012 9:17:39 PM
OAK CREEK, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES (AUGUST 5, 2012) (NBC) - A shooting during Sunday(August 5) services at a Sikh temple left at least seven people dead, including a gunman, and at least three critically wounded, police and hospital officials said.
A shooting at a Sikh temple outside Milwaukee leaves at least seven people dead, including a gunman, police say.
Four people were shot inside the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in suburban Milwaukee and three outside, including a gunman killed by a police officer, said Greenfield Police Chief Bradley Wentlandt.
One man who attends the temple told reporters about a conversation he had with people inside the temple.
"The situation, the news coming from inside is terrible. It's very terrible. The people who are contacting us is like they are scared and they are speaking very softly like they cannot speak loud," he said.
Nalissa Wienke, a spokeswoman for Froedtert & Medical College Hospital, said three men had been brought in wounded and were in critical condition. One was in the operating room, she said.
The 20-year veteran officer who exchanged fire with the gunman was hit several times, Wentlandt said. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.
Witnesses said hostages were being held inside the temple but police did not confirm this.
Police, ambulances and firefighters from Oak Creek and other localities were on the scene at the temple.
President Barack Obama said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" by the deadly shooting spree and his administration would provide whatever support was needed to respond to the incident and investigate it.