Authorities trying to learn gunman’s motivation in Oak Creek temple killings

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Why? That’s what everybody wants to know after a gunman killed six people and injured three others Sunday at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, south of Milwaukee.

The gunman died a few minutes later in a shootout with police.

The FBI is leading the investigation since it appears to be an act of domestic terrorism. Special Agent Teresa Carlson said no motive had been determined as of Sunday night.

Agent Tom Ahern of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said warrants were served late Sunday at the gunman’s duplex in Cudahy. Federal agents, police and a bomb squad evacuated several homes before searching the duplex.

The shootings happened about an hour before the Sunday service was to begin at the Sikh Temple. The facility had been open for several hours, a few dozen people were praying inside, and a dozen women were making food for a Sunday dinner when the shooting began. People scattered when the shooting started, some into a kitchen pantry.

Satpal Kaleka, the wife of the temple’s president, saw the gunman come in. Her nephew said the gunman didn’t speak and he carried himself like he had a purpose.

There were fears that children were being held hostage, but that didn’t happen.

It was determined that the gunman acted alone. Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said the officer who killed the suspect was wounded. He was in critical condition along with two other victims Sunday night. Police said the officer would survive.

When tactical units went through, they found four bodies inside the temple and two outside.

The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin was formed in 1997. Members called the shootings a hate crime. One leader said the temple had not been the subject of any recent threats.

Flags at half staff

Monday morning, Gov. Scott Walker ordered flags on government buildings to be flown at half staff to remember victims of the shooting.

"The people of Wisconsin join the Sikh community in mourning those killed yesterday and in remembering their lives," said the governor said in giving the order. "As our state comes together to care for the survivors, our hope is that the families and the whole Oak Creek community find healing and strength in the memory of their loved ones.”

On Sunday, Walker issued the following statement.

“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.

“Tonette and I ask everyone to join us in praying for the victims and their families, praying for the safety of our law enforcement and first responder professionals and praying for strength and healing for this entire community and our state.”

Sikh leader said it was a matter of time

The head of the national Sikh Council on Religion and Education said it was a matter of time before there was an incident like Sunday’s temple shootings in Oak Creek.

Rajwant Singh said the country’s half-million Sikhs have been fearing a tragedy like this since the 9-11 terrorist attacks in 2001, when some mistook the Sikhs for Islamic terrorists and targeted members of a peaceful religion that stresses equality.

Singh said there’s “so much ignorance, and people confuse us as being members of Taliban or belonging to Osama bin Laden.”

In Milwaukee alone, there have been at least four other attacks against Sikhs since 9-11. Swarnjit Arora of Milwaukee’s Sikh Religious Society said two taxis owned by Sikh drivers were vandalized. And two Sikh men were beaten.

The Sikh Coalition has reported over 700 such incidents in the U.S. during the last 11 years.

Filmmaker Valarie Kaur of New Haven, Conn., has chronicled Sikh attacks since 9-11. She said the Wisconsin shootings are “reverberating through every Sikh American home.”

Kaur said those people are “hurting, grieving, and afraid.” She calls it a hate crime, although authorities have not established a motive.

Sikh men often cover their heads with turbans, and because they don’t shave or cut their hair, advocates say many are mistaken for Muslims.

The Sikh faith began over 500 years ago in southern Asia.

Wisconsin’s Sikh Temple began 15 years ago when worshippers met in community halls. They’ve had their own temple in Oak Creek for about six years.

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