Latest Mass Killing Leaves 7 Dead in US

Milwaukee police are treating the attack that left 7 dead at a Sikh temple as a "domestic terrorist-type incident", and the FBI is taking over the investigation. File photo

Seven people have been killed in a shooting at a Sikh temple in the US State of Wisconsin.

The deadly attack occurred in Oak Creek, suburban Milwaukee, around 10:30 am local time on Sunday. Four people were murdered inside the temple and three outside - including the gunman.

BBC informs, citing local authorities that the attacker "ambushed" a policeman at the scene, shooting him multiple times, before a second officer returned fire, killing the gunman.

The shot officer was among three men critically injured in the attack. Women and children hid in closets and in the kitchen as the gunfire erupted. The total number of injured is believed to be over 30.

Local TV showed in the aftermath police vehicles at another suburb, near what is believed to be the gunman's home. According to BBC, the FBI and a bomb squad had gone to search the building, in Cudahy, about 2.5 miles (4km) north of the temple, and had evacuated several blocks.

Police believe there was only one shooter, despite initial witness reports of more than one gunman. Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards is quoted saying they were treating the attack as a "domestic terrorist-type incident", and that the FBI would take over the criminal investigation. He declined offering any details about the shooter, but according to local media he has been a white male aged about 40.

President Barack Obama spoke of his sadness at the shooting, which comes just over two weeks after a gun massacre left 12 people dead at a Colorado cinema.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. 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," he said in statement released by the White House.

Hundreds of people turned out for an spontaneous candlelit vigil in the nearby city of Milwaukee for the victims of the temple shooting on Sunday evening.

Oak Creek is a town of about 30 000 people in the south-east corner of the state.

The website for the temple says it opened in 1999 and now has a congregation of 350-400. Sunday morning was the busiest time of worship, members of the congregation said.

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