Gurudwara shooting: FBI launches investigation

NEW YORK: The FBI today promised a thorough probe into the deadliest attack against the Sikh community in the US at a Gurudwara in Wisconsin in which seven people, including the lone gunman were killed as authorities described the shooting spree as an act of "domestic terrorism".

The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched an in-depth investigation into the shooting incident that unfolded at around 10:30 pm IST yesterday as members of the Sikh community were gathering at the Gurudwara in Milwaukee's Oak Creek suburb.

The unidentified gunman walked into the Gurudwara and opened indiscriminate firing, killing six people. The gunman was later shot and killed by a police officer who also sustained serious injuries.

"It is the most deadly US attack on Sikhs - who often have been mistaken for Muslims and targeted in hate crimes - in recent memory," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said.

"While the FBI is investigating whether this matter might be an act of domestic terrorism, no motive has been determined at this time," the FBI Milwaukee Special Agent-in-Charge Teresa Carlson said in a statement.

The FBI is working closely with the Oak Creek Police Department and other local and federal agencies to investigate yesterday's shooting incident, Carlson said.

"We know our community has been deeply impacted by this incident, and our thoughts are with those affected and particularly with the officer who was wounded in the line of duty to protect others," the FBI said.

The US assured India that the tragic incident will be fully investigated, Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao said.

She said the US Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan spoke to her from White House yesterday to convey "sincerest condolences" from US President Barack Obama.

"Mr Brennan assured me these tragic killings would be fully investigated, that Sikh community is precious part of fabric of American nation," she wrote on the micro-blogging site twitter.

Soon after the incident, Obama reviewed the security situation with his top national security aides and called on Gurudwara trustee to offer his condolences.