Washington, DC – President Barack Obama made calls to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi and trustee of the Sikh Temple Charanjeet Singh “to express his condolences for the lives lost and his concern for those who were injured,” according to a White House communique.
The US law and order enforcement officials earlier labeled the fatal incident at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin as an act of terrorism, where seven people have been killed, including the gunman and many others wounded.
At 4:30 pm Eastern Time, the President received an update from FBI Director Bob Mueller, Chief of Staff Jack Lew, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan on the tragic shooting, according to the White House.
During the briefing, the President was informed that the situation at the Sikh Temple was under control and that the lone gunmen was killed by an Oak Creek police officer.
The President was updated on the condition of some of the victims of the attack, and he directed that the federal government assist as appropriate in the investigation into the shooting.
According to the White House, the President said that he wanted to, “make sure that as we denounce this senseless act of violence we also underscore how much our country has been enriched by our Sikh Community, who are an integral part of our broader American family.”
The White House in an earlier statement said, “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,” added the statement.
In addition, Democrat Congressman Joe Crowley from Queens, the Bronx (NY) issued a statement offering his “heartfelt condolences to the families and community of those injured and killed in today’s tragic shooting, and I join the people of Wisconsin and the entire Sikh-American community in mourning.”
Crowley, a leader on Sikh-American issues in the US Congress added, “While we do not yet know the motivations of this senseless act and it’s important to wait for more information from law enforcement, we do know that Sikh-Americans are too often the victims of intolerance and hate. Today we all grieve for those lost in this tragic event.” (IATNS)