Deadly shooting at Sikh temple in Wisconsin

There was a shooting this morning at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, just outside of Milwaukee. The police have confirmed that seven people have been killed, and one of the seven was a gunman. (Note: I initially posted the video of the preliminary press statement from local law enforcement. I’ve since swapped that clip out for this one, showing the most up-to-date briefing.)

There have been competing reports about the details and the current state of the shooting, but it appears that at least one armed man began the incident shortly after 10 a.m. local time. After calls from within the temple to police, an officer arrived at the scene, and he was confronted by a gunman. They exchanged fire, the gunman was killed, and the officer was hit and is in surgery.

There have been unconfirmed reports about multiple gunmen and a possible hostage standoff, but police have not offered additional clarification.

An official from the temple told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that people inside the temple described the shooter as a white male in his 30s, but nothing is else known about the assailant.

A spokesperson for a nearby hospital confirmed that there are also three adult males being treated in the trauma unit after also being shot.

The FBI is on the scene with state and local law enforcement. President Obama was notified of the shooting by his homeland security advisor earlier this afternoon.

Just to reemphasize, we don’t yet know if the crisis is over.

Update: The next police briefing is expected at 4 p.m. local time. Based on reports from local news outlets, it does not appear as if this is an ongoing crisis.

Second Update: International, national, state, and local officials have issued statements, as have leaders from many religious groups. President Obama said in a written statement: “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.”

Third Update: A law enforcement official told NBC News’ Pete Williams that today’s shooter was dressed in tactical gear, armed with a single handgun. This is unconfirmed, and other outlets have referenced different assessments of the firearms.

Fourth Update: At a press briefing, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said today’s shooting is being treated as “a domestic-type terrorist incident,” involving one gunman, not multiple. Edwards would give no additional information on the shooter or the specific details of the victims, whose families are still being notified. He did, however, explain that one officer was shot, and a second officer shot and killed the gunman. The temple has been cleared and the tactical teams at the scene are now standing down.

There will be another press briefing, presumably with far more information, at 10 a.m. local time