Obama vows to provide "whatever support necessary" following shooting

(CNN) -- Speaking hours after a fatal shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, President Barack Obama said Sunday in a statement that "at this time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers" and vowed to "provide whatever support is necessary."

He added, "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."

CLICK HERE for more from White House.gov.

Presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney issued the following statement:

“Ann and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of today’s shooting in Wisconsin. This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community. We join Americans everywhere in mourning those who lost their lives and in prayer for healing in the difficult days ahead.”

Police said Sunday, August 5th seven people are dead, including a gunman, and three others are injured following a shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek.

A high-ranking member of the Sikh community has said two of the dead are the equivalent of "priests" in the temple.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Chicago division said the gunman was a white man in his 40s. Officials have not yet released the name of the gunman.

The first officer to the scene -- a 20-year veteran, accomplished tactical officer "engaged an active shooter," exchanging multiple rounds of gunfire with the shooter. The officer and shooter were shot. The officer was transported to the hospital, and is in surgery with multiple gunshot wounds. Police say the officer shot is expected to survive.

Froedtert Hospital has confirmed three men were transported. Froedtert officials say all three are in critical condition. Two had surgery Sunday, and one had a "complex procedure." One of those three individuals is the first responding officer.

The FBI is leading this ongoing investigation following an incident officials are calling an "act of domestic terrorism."

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