:Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting

{{Short description|2012 racially-motivated mass shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States}}

{{Infobox civilian attack

| title = Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting

| map = {{Location map many | Wisconsin#United States

| width = 250

| label = Oak Creek

| position = center

| background = #FFFFDD

| coordinates = {{coord|42|54|29|N|87|54|39|W}}

}}

| map_size = 200

| map_alt =

| location = Sikh Temple of Wisconsin
7512 S. Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, Wisconsin, U.S.

| target = Worshippers at a Sikh temple

| coordinates = {{Coord|42|54|29|N|87|54|39|W|display=inline,title|scale:50000_region:US-WI_type:event}}

| date = {{start date and age|2012|8|5}}

| time = 10:25 a.m.

| timezone = CDT

| type = Mass shooting, murder-suicide, mass murder, domestic terrorism, hate crime

| fatalities = 8{{efn|including a victim who died in 2020}} (including the perpetrator)

| injuries = 3

| weapons = 9mm Springfield XD(M) semi-automatic pistol{{cite news|title=Police evacuate Wis. neighborhood near shooting|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/police-evacuate-wis-neighborhood-near-shooting/|access-date=August 6, 2012|publisher=CBS News|date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806081756/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57487046/police-evacuate-wis-neighborhood-near-shooting/|archive-date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

| perp = Wade Michael Page

| motive = White supremacy

}}

The Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting was a mass shooting that took place at the gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on August 5, 2012, when 40-year-old Wade Michael Page fatally shot six people and wounded four others.{{cite news|title=Sources name alleged gunman in Wisconsin temple shooting|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|access-date=August 6, 2012|publisher=CNN|date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806091317/http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|archive-date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |last=Ramde |first=Dinesh |title=Wisconsin Temple Shooting: Oak Creek Incident Leaves At Least 7 Dead |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/05/wisconsin-temple-shooting-sikh-oak-creek_n_1744761.html#10_listen-radio-station-reporting-from-the-temple |newspaper=Huffington Post |access-date=August 5, 2012 |date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806011601/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/05/wisconsin-temple-shooting-sikh-oak-creek_n_1744761.html#10_listen-radio-station-reporting-from-the-temple |archive-date=August 6, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} A seventh victim died of his wounds in 2020. Page committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.{{Cite news |date=2012-08-07 |title=Profile: Wisconsin Sikh temple shooter Wade Michael Page |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-19167324 |access-date=2022-10-11}}

Page was an American white supremacist and Army veteran from Cudahy, Wisconsin. Apart from the shooter, all of the dead were members of the Sikh faith. The incident drew responses from President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Dignitaries attended candlelight vigils in countries such as the U.S., Canada, and India.{{cite news |title=Vigil for Sikh temple victims set for Manitoba legislature |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/vigil-for-sikh-temple-victims-set-for-manitoba-legislature-1.1220655 |newspaper=CBC News |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812033214/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/08/10/mb-sikh-candlelight-vigil-manitoba.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news|title=Peace prayer and vigil in Surrey for victims of Wisconsin Sikh temple massacre|url=http://www.vancouverobserver.com/city/peace-prayer-and-vigil-surrey-victims-wisconsin-sikh-temple-massacre|newspaper=Vancouver Observer|access-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182422/http://www.vancouverobserver.com/city/peace-prayer-and-vigil-surrey-victims-wisconsin-sikh-temple-massacre|archive-date=April 16, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} First Lady Michelle Obama visited the temple on August 23, 2012.{{cite news |last=Ramde |first=Dinesh |title=Wisconsin Temple Shooting: Oak Creek Incident Leaves At Least 7 Dead |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/First-lady-to-see-Sikh-shooting-victims-families-3808804.php|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=August 23, 2012}}

Shooting and police response

The gurdwara was preparing langar, a Sikh communal meal, for later in the day. Witnesses suggested that women and children would have been at the temple preparing for the meal at the time of the incident, as children's classes were scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.{{cite news|title=Shooting at Sikh temple in Wis., at least 7 dead|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shooting-at-sikh-temple-in-wis-at-least-7-dead/|access-date=August 5, 2012|newspaper=CBC News|date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805220525/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57486965/shooting-at-sikh-temple-in-wis-at-least-7-dead/|archive-date=August 5, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|title=Massive Carnage at Wisconsin Sikh Gurudwara leaves 6 Devotees Dead|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2012/08/massive-carnage-at-winsconsin-sikh-gurudwara-leaves-6-devotees-dead/|access-date=August 5, 2012|newspaper=Biharprabha News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817014144/http://news.biharprabha.com/2012/08/massive-carnage-at-winsconsin-sikh-gurudwara-leaves-6-devotees-dead/|archive-date=August 17, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Wade Michael Page was armed with a 9mm Springfield XD(M) semi-automatic pistol.{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html | title = Police identify Army veteran as Wisconsin temple shooting gunman | publisher = CNN | quote = "Bernard Zapor – the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent in the investigation – said Monday that the 9mm semiautomatic handgun with multiple ammunition magazines used by the attacker had been legally purchased." | access-date = August 6, 2012 | date = August 6, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120806092957/http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html | archive-date = August 6, 2012 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/07/us/army-veteran-identified-as-suspect-in-wisconsin-shooting.html |title=Wisconsin Suspect Is Identified as U.S. Army Veteran|work=The New York Times|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|first1=Erica|last1=Goode|first2=Serge F.|last2=Kovaleski|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806192801/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/07/us/army-veteran-identified-as-suspect-in-wisconsin-shooting.html |archive-date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Page had legally purchased the gun in Wisconsin.

Following emergency calls around 10:25 a.m. CDT, police responded to a shooting at a Sikh gurdwara located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. On arrival, they engaged the gunman, later identified as Wade Michael Page, who had shot several people at the temple, killing six. Page wounded an officer; after being shot in the stomach by another, he fatally shot himself in the head. Four people were killed inside the temple, and three people, including Page, died outside. Page killed five men and one woman, ranging in age from 39 to 84.

Three men were transported to Froedtert Hospital, including one of the responding officers.{{cite news |title=Gunman, six others dead at Wisconsin Sikh temple |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/05/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 |last1=Baldacci |first1=Martena |last2=Smith |first2=Matt |last3=Candiotti |first3=Susan |publisher=CNN |date=August 5, 2012 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805222202/http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/05/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 |archive-date=August 5, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wade-michael-page-identified-wisconsin-temple-shooter/story?id=16937739#.UB_yp0R5HHc |last1=Dolak |first1=Kevin |last2=Martinez |first2=Luis |last3=Ryan |first3=Jason |title=Wade Michael Page Identified as Wisconsin Temple Shooter |publisher=ABC News |date=August 6, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807164617/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wade-michael-page-identified-wisconsin-temple-shooter/story?id=16937739#.UB_yp0R5HHc |archive-date=August 7, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news|title=Sikh temple shooting suspect identified as Wade Michael Page; Motivation unclear|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sikh-temple-shooting-suspect-identified-as-wade-michael-page-motivation-unclear/|publisher=CBS News|access-date=August 6, 2012|date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806180903/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57487094/sikh-temple-shooting-suspect-identified-as-wade-michael-page-motivation-unclear/|archive-date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/crime/reports-of-people-shot-at-sikh-temple-in-oak-creek-qc6cgc0-165059506.html |title=Seven killed at Sikh temple in Oak Creek; police surround Cudahy home |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |last2=Herzog |first2=Karen |last3=Johnson |first3=Annysa |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel |date=August 5, 2012 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805164102/http://www.jsonline.com/news/crime/reports-of-people-shot-at-sikh-temple-in-oak-creek-qc6cgc0-165059506.html |archive-date=August 5, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Initial reports said the gunman had died from being shot by police officers at the scene, but the FBI later clarified that Page, after being shot by an officer, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.{{cite news|title=Wisconsin temple gunman Wade Page shot himself in head|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19183359|access-date=August 8, 2012|work=BBC News|date=August 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808191658/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19183359|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGSlZSezWI8&feature=g-user-u |title=FBI: Gunman in Wis. Temple Shot Himself |agency=Associated Press |publisher=YouTube |date=August 8, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610054221/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGSlZSezWI8&feature=g-user-u |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Authorities released an audio recording of the incident, during which the first responding officer, Lieutenant Brian Murphy, was shot by the gunman. It contained the words "I have someone walking out the driveway towards me. Man with a gun, white t-shirt", followed by the sound of gunfire.{{cite news|title=Sikh Attack: Moment U.S. Gunman Shot Policeman|url=http://news.sky.com/story/969719/sikh-attack-moment-us-gunman-shot-policeman|access-date=August 8, 2012|publisher=Sky News|date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808201752/http://news.sky.com/story/969719/sikh-attack-moment-us-gunman-shot-policeman|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In September 2012, authorities released video recordings taken by squad cars during the incident, including the moments when Murphy was shot, and the gunman being shot by another officer.{{cite news|title=Sikh Temple Shooting Footage Released|url=http://news.sky.com/story/983719/sikh-temple-shooting-footage-released|access-date=September 11, 2012|publisher=Sky News|date=September 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913194641/http://news.sky.com/story/983719/sikh-temple-shooting-footage-released|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Murphy was shot fifteen times by Page, but survived.{{cite news|title=15 Rounds and Still Talking: Lt. Brian Murphy's Story of the Oak Creek Massacre|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/15-rounds-and-still-talking-lt-brian-murphys-story-of-the-oak-creek-massacre|website=Daily Beast|date=August 5, 2013|access-date=5 August 2017|last1=Singh|first1=Simran Jeet}}

The Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the site, and Oak Creek police chief John Edwards said his force treated the incident as a "domestic terrorism incident" in "the beginning stages of this investigation".{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/05/wisconsin-sikh-temple-domestic-terrorism |title=Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting: Six killed in act of 'domestic terrorism' |website=TheGuardian.com |date=August 5, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306171328/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/05/wisconsin-sikh-temple-domestic-terrorism |archive-date=March 6, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web|last=Curry|first=Colleen|title=Sikh Temple Shooting That Killed 7 a 'Domestic Terrorist' Attack|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/sikh-temple-shooting-oak-creek-wisconsin-domestic-terrorism/story?id=16933779#.UB7wNKldx8s|publisher=ABC News|access-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805223814/https://abcnews.go.com/US/sikh-temple-shooting-oak-creek-wisconsin-domestic-terrorism/story?id=16933779#.UB7wNKldx8s|archive-date=August 5, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Oak Creek police handed the investigation over to the FBI.{{cite news|title=Police chief: Temple shooting being treated as "a domestic terrorist-type incident"|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/05/breaking-reports-of-shooting-at-sikh-temple/?hpt=hp_t1|access-date=August 5, 2012|publisher=CNN|date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807054946/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/05/breaking-reports-of-shooting-at-sikh-temple/?hpt=hp_t1|archive-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} They also investigated possible ties to white supremacist groups and other racial motivations.{{cite news|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/06/13147115-experts-alleged-temple-gunman-jack-boot-led-neo-nazi-band-had-deep-extremist-ties|title=Experts: Alleged temple gunman, 'Jack Boot,' led neo-Nazi band, had deep extremist ties|publisher=NBC News|last=Leitsinger|first=Miranda|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205194705/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/06/13147115-experts-alleged-temple-gunman-jack-boot-led-neo-nazi-band-had-deep-extremist-ties|archive-date=December 5, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/165140006.html|title=Another person of interest in Sikh Temple shooting|publisher=WTMJ|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809025421/http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/165140006.html|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/FBI-to-probe-US-gurdwara-shooters-racist-links-for-motive/articleshow/15391740.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126170124/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-07/us/33082252_1_white-supremacist-end-apathy-label56|url-status=live|archive-date=January 26, 2013|title=FBI to probe US gurdwara shooter's racist links for motive|date=August 7, 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=August 7, 2012}} The FBI said there was no reason to think anyone else was involved in the attack, and they were not aware of any past threat made against the temple.{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/us-sikh-temple-shooter-was-a-white-supremacist-407806.html|title=U.S. Sikh temple shooter was a white supremacist|work=First Post|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808001306/http://www.firstpost.com/world/us-sikh-temple-shooter-was-a-white-supremacist-407806.html|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder described the incident as "an act of terrorism, an act of hatred, a hate crime".{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/10/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/|title=At service, Holder calls Sikh temple shooting a hate crime|date=August 10, 2012|publisher=CNN|access-date=July 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818105542/http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/10/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/|archive-date=August 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Victims

The six victims killed{{cite web|url=http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2012/08/06/list-of-names-of-sikhs-killed-in-us-domestic-terror-strike-released-by-united-sikhs/|title=List of names of Sikhs killed in US domestic terror strike released by United Sikhs|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 31, 2012|publisher=SikhSiyasat.Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808185658/http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2012/08/06/list-of-names-of-sikhs-killed-in-us-domestic-terror-strike-released-by-united-sikhs/|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} included one woman, Paramjit Kaur, 41; and five men, Satwant Singh Kaleka, 65, the founder of the gurdwara; Prakash Singh, 39, a Granthi; Sita Singh, 41; Ranjit Singh, 49; and Suveg Singh, 84.{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-congregants-seek-answers-after-6-killed-in-sikh-temple-20120806,0,7465297.story|title=Wounded officer at temple waved off help|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|work=The Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806220020/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-congregants-seek-answers-after-6-killed-in-sikh-temple-20120806,0,7465297.story|archive-date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-08-06/sikh-temple-shooting-victims/56832680/1|title=Sikh temple founder among the six killed|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810030615/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-08-06/sikh-temple-shooting-victims/56832680/1|archive-date=August 10, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} All of the male victims wore turbans as part of their Sikh faith.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/05/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html|title=Gunman, six others dead at Wisconsin Sikh temple|date=August 5, 2012|access-date=November 9, 2012|publisher=CNN Wire Staff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108170132/http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/05/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html|archive-date=November 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-05/six-dead-in-shooting-at-sikh-temple-in-wisconsin-police-say|title=Seven Die in Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting; FBI Probing|date=August 5, 2012|access-date=November 9, 2012|magazine=Bloomberg Businessweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009011228/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-05/six-dead-in-shooting-at-sikh-temple-in-wisconsin-police-say|archive-date=October 9, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Four of the victims were Indian nationals, while the rest were Americans.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/06/wisconsin-suspect-wade-michael-page|title=Wade Michael Page named as temple gunman as FBI examines far-right links|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 9, 2012|publisher=The Guardian, UK|location=London|first1=Chris|last1=McGreal|first2=Matt|last2=Williams|first3=Chitrangada|last3=Choudhury|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612100251/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/06/wisconsin-suspect-wade-michael-page|archive-date=June 12, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Prakash Singh, who was born in India and had served as a Granthi at the Gurudwara for around seven years, had received his green card in early 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/3-years-later-sikh-temple-shooting-victims-remembered-people-say-time-heals-everything-it-takes-time|title=3 years later, Sikh Temple shooting victims remembered: "People say time heals everything - it takes time"|date=August 5, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2022|work=Fox 6 Now Milwaukee|first=Ashley|last=Sears}}{{Cite web |author=the CNN Wire Staff |date=2012-08-06 |title=Police identify Army veteran as Wisconsin temple shooting gunman |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=CNN |language=en}}

The injured included a responding officer, Lt. Brian Murphy,{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wisconsin-temple-hero-cop-brian-murphy-shot-times/story?id=16939854|title=Wisconsin Temple Shooting Hero Cop Brian Murphy Shot 8 Times, Waved Off Aid|publisher=ABC News|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807020855/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wisconsin-temple-hero-cop-brian-murphy-shot-times/story?id=16939854|archive-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} who was shot fifteen times at close range, including once in the face and once in the back of the head. He was discharged from the hospital on August 22, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/First-lady-to-see-Sikh-shooting-victims-families-3808804.php|title=First lady to see Sikh shooting victims' families|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=August 23, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823102507/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/First-lady-to-see-Sikh-shooting-victims-families-3808804.php|archive-date=August 23, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Sikhs for Justice, a New York–based group, pledged a $10,000 award to Murphy. Two Sikh residents of Yuba City, California donated another $100,000 to Lieutenant Murphy and praised his bravery.{{cite web|url=http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sikhs-donate-to-wisconsin-officer-shot-at-temple/article_277ee120-43e6-517e-8987-b7de6c00cced.html|title=Sikhs donate to Wisconsin officer shot at temple|work=Appeal Democrat |date=September 12, 2012|access-date=September 16, 2012|author=Rob Parsons}}

Included among the injured was Baba Punjab Singh, a Sikh Granthi who was shot in the head. He was left partially paralyzed, unable to breathe on his own, and unable to speak because of the wound for more than seven years and died on March 2, 2020, age 72.{{cite web |last1=Mickle |first1=Jordan |title=Sikh priest who was left partially paralyzed after 2012 Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek has died |url=https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/sikh-priest-who-was-left-partially-paralyzed-after-2012-sikh-temple-shooting-in-oak-creek-has-died |publisher=TMJ4.com |access-date=March 2, 2020 |ref=tmj4}}{{cite news |author=Neil Vigdor |date=5 March 2020 |title=Priest Paralyzed in Mass Shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012 Dies from Injuries |newspaper=New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/us/baba-punjab-singh-wisconsin.html |accessdate=5 March 2020}} His death was ruled a homicide.{{Cite news |last=Vigdor |first=Neil |date=2020-03-05 |title=Priest Paralyzed in Mass Shooting at Sikh Temple in 2012 Dies from Injuries |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/us/baba-punjab-singh-wisconsin.html |access-date=2025-01-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Perpetrator

Wade Michael Page (November 11, 1971 – August 5, 2012){{cite news|url=http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2012/08/alleged-sikh-temple-gunman-identified/55429/|title=Sikh Temple Gunman Identified; Person of Interest Sought by FBI|publisher=The Atlantic Wire|last=Abad-Santos|first=Alexander|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808190544/http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2012/08/alleged-sikh-temple-gunman-identified/55429/|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} was an American white supremacist living in Cudahy, Wisconsin.{{cite web | url =http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0806/Sikh-temple-shooter-identified-as-Wade-Michael-Page-white-supremacist-video | title =Sikh temple shooter identified as Wade Michael Page, white supremacist (+video) Page was a 'frustrated neo-Nazi' who led a racist white supremacist band, the Southern Poverty Law Center said Monday. | author1 =Dinesh Ramde | author2 =Todd Richmond | agency =Associated Press | publisher =csmonitor.com | date =August 6, 2013 | access-date =June 26, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130531162437/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0806/Sikh-temple-shooter-identified-as-Wade-Michael-Page-white-supremacist-video | archive-date =May 31, 2013 | url-status =live | df =mdy-all }} Page was born and grew up in Colorado.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444246904577572853363465564 |title=Shooter Linked to Hate Group Wisconsin Sikh Temple Gunman Veered From the Army to Skinhead Rock Bands |author1=Caroline Porter |author2=Ben Kesling |author3=Nathan Koppel |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=August 6, 2013 |access-date=August 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921034724/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444246904577572853363465564 |archive-date=September 21, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} He served in the U.S. Army from April 1992 through October 1998,{{cite news|last=O'Brien|first=Brendan|title=Sikh temple gunman was ex-soldier linked to racist group|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-wisconsin-shootingbre8740fp-20120805,0,6850276.story|access-date=August 6, 2012|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806013059/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-wisconsin-shootingbre8740fp-20120805,0,6850276.story|archive-date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|title=Obama calls for 'soul searching' after Wisconsin attack|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19158203|publisher=BBC News US & Canada|access-date=August 7, 2012|date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807185604/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19158203|archive-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In the Army, Page had learned to repair the Hawk missile system, before becoming a psychological operations specialist.{{cite web|title=Alleged shooter at Sikh temple was Army veteran|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/08/ap-sikh-temple-shooting-army-veteran-080612/| work=Army Times|access-date=August 7, 2012|date=August 6, 2012}} He was demoted and received a general discharge for "patterns of misconduct," including being drunk while on duty and going absent without leave.{{cite book |last1=Hoffman |first1=Bruce |last2=Ware |first2=Jacob |title=God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America |date=2024 |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=United States}}

After his discharge, Page returned to Colorado, living in the Denver suburb of Littleton from 2000 through 2007.

{{cite news|url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21246629/suspect-wisconsin-sikh-temple-shootings-colorado-ties|title=Suspect in Sikh temple shootings linked to Colorado|work=The Denver Post|last1=Nicholson|first1=Kieran|last2=Parker|first2=Ryan|last3=Lofholm|first3=Nancy|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808190149/http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21246629/suspect-wisconsin-sikh-temple-shootings-colorado-ties|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Page worked as a truck driver from 2006 to 2010, but was fired after receiving a citation for impaired driving due to drinking.{{cite news|url=http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2012/aug/07/sikh-temple-shooter-had-history-of-getting-in-trouble-for-drinking/|title=Sikh temple shooter had history of getting in trouble for drinking|publisher=WTAQ Radio|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203173836/http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2012/aug/07/sikh-temple-shooter-had-history-of-getting-in-trouble-for-drinking/|archive-date=February 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120806006418/en/Barr-Nunn-Issues-Statement-Wade-Michael-Page|title=Barr-Nunn Issues Statement on Wade Michael Page|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|publisher=Business Wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501091017/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120806006418/en/Barr-Nunn-Issues-Statement-Wade-Michael-Page|archive-date=May 1, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Page had ties to white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups, and was reportedly a member of the Hammerskins. He entered the white power music scene in 2000, becoming involved in several neo-Nazi bands.{{cite web |url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/news/alleged-sikh-temple-shooter-former-member-of-skinhead-band |title=Alleged Sikh temple shooter former member of Skinhead band |date=August 6, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |work=Southern Poverty Law Center, US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806204408/http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/news/alleged-sikh-temple-shooter-former-member-of-skinhead-band |archive-date=August 6, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} He founded the band End Apathy in 2005 and played in the bands Definite Hate and Blue Eyed Devils,{{cite book|author1=Abraham H. Foxman|author2=Christopher Wolf|title=Viral Hate: Containing Its Spread on the Internet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yVBeWQ61I94C&pg=PA46|date=4 June 2013|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-137-35622-2|pages=46–}} all considered racist white-power bands by the Southern Poverty Law Center.{{cite web |url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/crime/shooter-wade-page-was-army-vet-white-supremacist-856cn28-165123946.html |title=Oak Creek Sikh temple shooter had military background, white supremacist ties |publisher=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel |date=August 6, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808050801/http://www.jsonline.com/news/crime/shooter-wade-page-was-army-vet-white-supremacist-856cn28-165123946.html |archive-date=August 8, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/07/wade-michael-page-wisconsin-shooting?newsfeed=true|title=Wade Michael Page's acquaintances recall a troubled man guided by hate|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|work=The Guardian|location=London|first=Chris|last=McGreal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024102118/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/07/wade-michael-page-wisconsin-shooting?newsfeed=true|archive-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Page's former step-mother apologized to the Sikh victims{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-gurdwara-killers-mother-apologizes-to-Sikh-victims/articleshow/15390073.cms| title=US gurdwara killer's mother apologizes to Sikh victims| date=August 7, 2012| access-date=August 7, 2012| work=The Times of India| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810095040/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-gurdwara-killers-mother-apologizes-to-Sikh-victims/articleshow/15390073.cms| archive-date=August 10, 2012| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}} and said she had not been in touch with her stepson for the past twelve years, after divorcing his father. A former friend described him as a "loner" and said he had talked about an "impending racial holy war".{{cite news |url=http://piersmorgan.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/07/ex-friend-says-temple-shooter-wade-michael-page-was-a-loner/ |title=Ex-friend says temple shooter Wade Michael Page was a 'loner' |date=August 7, 2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |author=Piers Morgan |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809022915/http://piersmorgan.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/07/ex-friend-says-temple-shooter-wade-michael-page-was-a-loner/ |archive-date=August 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} According to his neighbors, Page lived alone, rarely left his apartment, and avoided eye contact with them.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/FBI-to-probe-US-gurdwara-shooters-racist-links-for-motive/articleshow/15391740.cms|title=FBI to probe US gurdwara shooter's racist links for motive|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203173836/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/FBI-to-probe-US-gurdwara-shooters-racist-links-for-motive/articleshow/15391740.cms|archive-date=February 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Page legally purchased the handgun used in the shooting on July 28, 2012, at a gun shop in West Allis, Wisconsin. Page passed the background checks required, and paid cash for the gun, along with three 19-round magazines.{{cite web | url =http://www.businessinsider.com/wade-michael-page-didnt-seem-suspicious-2012-8 | title =Gun Shop Owner: Sikh Temple Shooter 'Raised No Eyebrows Whatsoever' | author =Abby Rodgers | publisher =businessinsider.com | date =August 8, 2013 | access-date =June 26, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130429065219/http://www.businessinsider.com/wade-michael-page-didnt-seem-suspicious-2012-8 | archive-date =April 29, 2013 | url-status =live | df =mdy-all }} The owner of the gun shop said that Page's appearance and demeanor in the shop "raised no eyebrows whatsoever".{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-sikh-shooting-guns-20120807,0,7536671.story|title=Sikh temple shooting: Gun shop owner says Wade Page seemed normal|date=August 8, 2012|access-date=August 9, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|first1=Molly|last1=Hennessy-Fiske|first2=Kim|last2=Murphy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808234957/http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-sikh-shooting-guns-20120807,0,7536671.story|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Following the shooting, photographs of Page appeared in media reports showing him with a range of tattoos on his arms and upper body, which were said to show his links to white supremacist organizations.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/wisconsin-gunman-wade-michael-pages-tattoos-racist-beliefs/story?id=16949676|title=Cracking Wisconsin Gunman's Secret Racist Tattoo Code|date=August 8, 2012|access-date=August 9, 2012|publisher=ABC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809005532/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/wisconsin-gunman-wade-michael-pages-tattoos-racist-beliefs/story?id=16949676|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards declined to speculate on the motive behind the attack, saying "I don't know why, and I don't know that we'll ever know, because when he died, that died with him what his motive was or what he was thinking."{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/question-of-motive-remains-in-sikh-temple-shooting/|title=Question of motive remains in Sikh temple shooting|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 8, 2012|publisher=CBS News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808110205/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57488654/question-of-motive-remains-in-sikh-temple-shooting/|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Reactions

President Barack Obama offered his condolences, calling the Sikh community "a part of our broader American family,"{{cite web|last=Obama|first=Barack|title=Statement by the President on the Shooting in Wisconsin|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/08/05/statement-president-shooting-wisconsin|access-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162318/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/08/05/statement-president-shooting-wisconsin|archive-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|date=August 5, 2012|df=mdy-all}} and ordered flags at federal buildings flown at half-staff until August 10 to honor the victims.{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_gurudwara-shooting-us-flags-to-fly-at-half-staff-till-aug-10_1725167|newspaper=DNA India|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|title=Gurudwara shooting: US flags to fly at half-staff till Aug 10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808194854/http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_gurudwara-shooting-us-flags-to-fly-at-half-staff-till-aug-10_1725167|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Obama|first=Barack|title=Presidential Proclamation—Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Oak Creek, Wisconsin|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/08/06/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-tragedy-oak-creek-wisconsin|access-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123174503/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/08/06/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-tragedy-oak-creek-wisconsin|archive-date=January 23, 2017|url-status=live|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|date=August 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}} Obama called for "soul searching" on how to reduce violence.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-temple-shooting-gun-violence-obama-20120807,0,2176449.story|title=Wisconsin shooting stirs Obama to call only for 'soul searching'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|first=Christi|last=Parsons|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808155244/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-temple-shooting-gun-violence-obama-20120807,0,2176449.story|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and other officials also issued statements of sympathy for the victims of the shooting and their families.{{cite news|url=http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/governor-walker-statement-on-oak-creek-incident|title=Governor Walker Statement on Oak Creek incident|publisher=Fox News 11|date=August 5, 2012|access-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807035530/http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/governor-walker-statement-on-oak-creek-incident|archive-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}[http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2012/08/pols-react-to-sikh-temple-shooting-in-wisconsin Pols React To Sikh Temple Shooting In Wisconsin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808093137/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2012/08/pols-react-to-sikh-temple-shooting-in-wisconsin |date=August 8, 2012 }} Daily News (New York), August 6, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2012 Nancy Powell and the United States Ambassador to India attended prayers for the victims at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/US-ambassador-pays-homage-at-Bangla-Sahib/articleshow/15383658.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126055343/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-07/delhi/33082036_1_dsgmc-sikh-gurdwara-management-committee-sikh-community|url-status=live|archive-date=January 26, 2013|date= August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|work=The Times of India|title=US ambassador pays homage at Bangla Sahib}}

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the attack being at a Sikh temple added to the pain, and stated that India stood in support of all peace-loving Americans who condemned the shooting.{{cite news|url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html|title = Source: Wisconsin temple gunman Army vet; may have been white supremacist|publisher = CNN|date = August 6, 2012|access-date = August 6, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120806092957/http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/wisconsin-temple-shooting/index.html|archive-date = August 6, 2012|url-status = live|df = mdy-all}} Following the incident, there were vigils as well as some protests against the United States by Sikhs in India.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/08/india-reacts-with-grief-outrage-over-wisconsin-killing-of-sikhs.html|title=India reacts with grief, outrage over Wisconsin killing of Sikhs|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|last=Magnier|first=Mark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808195209/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/08/india-reacts-with-grief-outrage-over-wisconsin-killing-of-sikhs.html|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/370664/20120806/sikhs-india-protest-against-wisconsin-sikh-temple.htm|title=Sikhs In India Protest Against Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting (PHOTOS)|work=International Business Times|last=VN|first=Sreeja|date=August 6, 2012|access-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809050028/http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/370664/20120806/sikhs-india-protest-against-wisconsin-sikh-temple.htm|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

{{cite news|url=http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2012/08/10/sikhs-in-us-condemn-the-burning-of-us-flag-by-protestors-in-new-delhi/|title=Sikhs in US condemn the burning of US flag by protestors in New Delhi|publisher=SikhSiyasaat|date=August 10, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2012|last=Magnier|first=Mark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817014607/http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2012/08/10/sikhs-in-us-condemn-the-burning-of-us-flag-by-protestors-in-new-delhi/|archive-date=August 17, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

{{cite news|url=http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2012/08/08/sikh-rights-body-strongly-condemn-flag-burners/|title=Sikh rights body strongly condemn flag burners|publisher=SikhSiyasaat|date=August 10, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2012|last=Magnier|first=Mark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026153732/http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2012/08/08/sikh-rights-body-strongly-condemn-flag-burners/|archive-date=October 26, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

On August 9, Indian members of parliament in New Delhi joined ranks in parliament to offer condolences to families of the victims.{{cite news|url = https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hzxOoAixBCDJMNaY2CYbs0GUKmMg?docId=CNG.7d89ddcc9402529b948c1a801c8a0034.3e1|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130124163334/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hzxOoAixBCDJMNaY2CYbs0GUKmMg?docId=CNG.7d89ddcc9402529b948c1a801c8a0034.3e1|url-status = dead|archive-date = January 24, 2013|title = Indian lawmakers voice anger at US Sikh temple shooting|agency = Agence France-Presse|date = August 9, 2012}} Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, the highest-ranking Sikh Granthi in the faith, called the shooting a "security lapse" by the U.S. government, and recommended that Sikhs in the United States adopt all possible security measures at their temples.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/some-answers-about-the-history-of-the-sikh-religion-in-india/2012/08/06/9790aee2-dfe7-11e1-8d48-2b1243f34c85_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807091850/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/some-answers-about-the-history-of-the-sikh-religion-in-india/2012/08/06/9790aee2-dfe7-11e1-8d48-2b1243f34c85_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 7, 2012|newspaper= The Washington Post|date= August 8, 2012|access-date=August 8, 2012|title=Some answers about the history of the Sikh religion in India}} Oak Creek Sikh residents said the incident had shocked their community.{{cite news|last=Kelleher|first=James B.|title=Small, tight-knit Wisconsin Sikh community shocked by shooting|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-wisconsin-shooting-community-idUSL2E8J608120120806|access-date=August 6, 2012|work=Reuters|date=August 5, 2012|author2=Brendan O'Brien|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808234658/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/06/usa-wisconsin-shooting-community-idUSL2E8J608120120806|archive-date=August 8, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Many Sikh Americans did not approve of the protests in India against the United States, and strongly condemned the actions, such as flag-burnings, taken by the protesters.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gurudwara-attack-American-Sikhs-angry-at-protests-against-US-in-India/articleshow/15417110.cms|title=Gurudwara attack: American Sikhs angry at protests against U.S. in India|work=The Times of India|date=August 9, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2012|last=Magnier|first=Mark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229005651/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-09/india/33117632_1_american-sikhs-punjab-sikh-council|archive-date=December 29, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} U.S.-based Sikh community groups pledged assistance to the victims and their families, and urged Sikh Americans to organize interfaith vigils.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/United-Sikhs-to-send-emergency-response-team-to-Wisconsin-to-help-deal-with-trauma/articleshow/15392892.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126170730/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-07/india/33082623_1_sikh-organizations-sikh-americans-emergency-response-team|url-status=live|archive-date=January 26, 2013|date= August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|work=The Times of India|title=United Sikhs to send emergency response team to Wisconsin to help deal with trauma}} They also organized to send an emergency response team to Wisconsin. In some online forums, individuals with far right views expressed support for the gunman and his actions.{{Cite journal |last=Afridi |first=Mehnaz |date=2013 |title=The Gurdwara Sikh killings: Domestic or global taxonomy of terrorism? |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rsfo20#.VfBr6hFVikp |journal=Sikh Formations |doi=10.1080/17448727.2013.822139 |s2cid=142798640 |via=Atla Religion Database}}

Many other Americans held candlelight vigils in support of the Sikh community, and dignitaries such as Governor Walker attended.{{cite news|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/pages-hate-trumped-by-outpouring-of-support-for-sikh-community-h56dd6s-165339716.html|title=Outpouring of support trumps Page's hatred|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|last=Stingl|first=Jim|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809091211/http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/pages-hate-trumped-by-outpouring-of-support-for-sikh-community-h56dd6s-165339716.html|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/165358516.html|title=Live coverage: Oak Creek vigil for temple shooting victims|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809091145/http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/165358516.html|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Congressman Paul Ryan introduced a bill in Congress condemning the tragedy which stated the House "condemns the senseless attack".{{cite web|url=http://influencealley.nationaljournal.com/2012/09/paul-ryans-first-postromney-pi.php|title=Paul Ryan's First Bill Back After VP Nomination|work=National Journal|date=September 12, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129163530/http://influencealley.nationaljournal.com/2012/09/paul-ryans-first-postromney-pi.php|archive-date=January 29, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} On September 19, 2012, a Congressional hearing addressed hate crimes in response to the tragedy, before the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights convened by Senator Dick Durbin.{{cite news|url=http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/congressional-hearing-addresses-hate-crimes-extremism-after-sikh-attack-vt6u47u-170379006.html|title=Congressional hearing addresses hate crimes after Sikh attack|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123125803/http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/congressional-hearing-addresses-hate-crimes-extremism-after-sikh-attack-vt6u47u-170379006.html|archive-date=November 23, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/headlines/congressional-hearing-investigates-hate-crimes-against-sikhs/13168/|title=Congressional Hearing Investigates Hate Crimes Against Sikhs|publisher=PBS|date=September 21, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310121545/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/headlines/congressional-hearing-investigates-hate-crimes-against-sikhs/13168/|archive-date=March 10, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

In the aftermath of the shooting, Amar Kaleka, the son of Satwant Singh Kaleka, became involved in politics, supporting gun control and new legislation to reduce hate crimes.{{cite web |last=Schaaf |first=Mark |url=http://oakcreek.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/son-of-slain-temple-president-to-challenge-paul-ryan |title=Son of Slain Sikh Temple President to Challenge Paul Ryan – Government – Oak Creek, WI Patch |publisher=Oakcreek.patch.com |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101083744/http://oakcreek.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/son-of-slain-temple-president-to-challenge-paul-ryan |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} Kaleka criticized Obama, who visited the sites of other mass shootings, but not the Sikh Temple.{{cite web |first=Dinesh |last=Ramde |agency=Associated Press |url=http://journaltimes.com/news/local/son-of-slain-sikh-to-challenge-ryan/article_d288892c-34f8-11e3-b690-0019bb2963f4.html |title=Son of slain Sikh to challenge Ryan |publisher=Journaltimes.com |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104050716/http://journaltimes.com/news/local/son-of-slain-sikh-to-challenge-ryan/article_d288892c-34f8-11e3-b690-0019bb2963f4.html |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} As a member of the Democratic Party, Kaleka ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for the United States House of Representatives in {{ushr|WI|1}} in the 2014 election. Pardeep Kaleka said that the shooting was "a warning of the increasingly public and violent role that white supremacy would play in the next decade."{{Cite news |last=Molina |first=Alejandra |date=2022 |title=Faits Unite Against Gun Violence on Anniversary of Sikh Temple Shooting |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2022/08/04/oak-creek-sikh-temple-shooting/}}

Since 2013, the Sikh Coalition has encouraged Sikhs to use the National Day of Sevā to honor the lives of those lost in the shooting.

Political scientist Naunihal Singh criticized the media response, pointing out that the shooting received less media attention than other similar shootings. He suggested that this was due to the racial and religious identities of the shooter and victims.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/an-american-tragedy|title=An American Tragedy|magazine=The New Yorker |date=August 13, 2012}}

==See also==

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.sikhtempleofwisconsin.com/|Sikh Temple of Wisconsin official website}}
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/sikhmuseum/sets/72157634935727279/ Photos of 1st Anniversary Gurdwara Diwan at Oak Creek], SikhMuseum.com
[https://web.archive.org/web/20120809235839/http://nation.time.com/2012/08/07/relatives-speak-of-those-killed-in-temple-shooting/ "The Nation" Relatives Speak of Those Killed in Temple Shooting"], Time Magazine, 7 August 2012
[http://www.sikh24.com/2012/08/wisconsin-gurdwara-shooting-updates/ Timeline: Wisconsin Gurdwara Shooting], Sikh 24
[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19143274 Gallery of images from the scene of the shooting], BBC News, 6 August 2012
[http://www.saadigitalarchive.org/subject/oak-creek-gurdwara "Oak Creek Gurdwara Memorial & Remembrance Materials"], South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA)
Sethi, Arjun Singh."[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/sikhs-inclusiveness-is-lesson-in-fighting-bigotry/2012/08/08/75c1b22a-e172-11e1-a25e-15067bb31849_story.html Sikhs’ inclusiveness is lesson in fighting bigotry]." Washington Post, August 8, 2012.
Sethi, Arjun Singh."[https://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oe-sethi-sikh-temple-shootings-anniversary-20130804-story.html Oak Creek: An act of home-grown terrorism]." Los Angeles Times, August 3, 2013.