Wisconsin Shooting

A vigil in downtown Milwaukee
for the dead and the wounded.
(Allen Fredrickson/Reuters)

"This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship," Mitt Romney said. "Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community. We join Americans everywhere in mourning those who lost their lives and in prayer for healing in the difficult days ahead." Wis. Gov. Scott Walker said, "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." [Emphasis mine.] I agree.

The first officer who responded to the scene was Lt. Brian Murphy, 51, who was shot and is now recovering in the hospital after a second surgery, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said. The 21-year veteran of the police force is expected to survive. "He had been shot nine times -- one of them very serious in the neck area -- and he waved them off and told them to go into the temple to assist those in there," Edwards said. "If it was not for the gallant officers' timely intervention, many more would have perished."

Murphy underwent surgery at Froedtert Hospital, the main trauma center in the Milwaukee region, along with two other injured victims. All three of the victims remain in critical condition as of Monday morning, according to a representative from Froedtert Hospital.

Satwant Kaleka, the temple's
founder, died after trying to
tackle the gunman.

The Sikh faith was founded in the 15th century in South Asia and is the 5th-largest in the world, with more than 30 million followers. There are an estimated 500,000 or more Sikhs in the United States. The majority worldwide live in India. Sikhism includes belief in one God and that the goal of life is to lead an exemplary existence. Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 by Islamist militants, Sikhs have sometimes been confused publicly with Muslims because of their turban headdress and beards.
One of the temple's committee members, Ven Boba Ri, told the Journal Sentinel that the shooting was very sad, and he has been fielding calls all morning from around the world, including India. "Sikhism is such a peaceful religion. We have suffered for generations, in India and even here."

We are deeply saddened by the senseless loss of lives and injuries. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.