Oak Creek Police Lt. Murphy injured in shooting, released from hospital
WAUWATOSA -- Froedtert Hospital officials announced Wednesday afternoon, August 22nd Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy was released from the hospital. Lt. Murphy was critically injured during the shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek Sunday, August 5th.
Lt. Murphy was among the first to the scene of the shooting. Upon his arrival at the temple, Lt. Murphy came up on a victim in the parking lot and was rendering aid, when he was reportedly "ambushed" by the shooter -- 40-year-old Wade Michael Page. Lt. Murphy was shot eight or nine times, before another Oak Creek officer shot Page in the stomach, and Page then turned the gun on himself.
Lt. Murphy underwent surgeries at Froedtert Hospital. He was initially in Froedtert's ICU.
News of Lt. Murphy's release from Froedtert Hospital spread quickly Wednesday. Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi said he's eager to see Lt. Murphy, and thank him for saving countless lives.
Members of the Sikh community said they've been praying for Lt. Murphy's swift recovery, and they were happy to see a prayer answered Wednesday evening.
With Lt. Murphy released from the hospital, only one of the three critically injured remains hospitalized. Punjab Singh is still in critical condition, according to Froedtert Hospital's website.
"We hope for the best for him. He's obviously got a tremendous amount of family there pulling for him," Scaffidi said.
FOX6 News reached out to Lt. Murphy's family Wednesday evening, but they were not interested in talking. Earlier Wednesday on a Facebook page for her father, Lt. Murphy's daughter Erika wrote "I can't thank everyone enough for all your love and support during this difficult time. My family and I love all of you for your concern and love for my father and my hero."
"He's upbeat, thankful for all the support he's gotten, which is tremendous. I've said it a million times -- he's a hero and nothing people have told me since is going to change that. He just did a tremendous job," Scaffidi said.
Lt. Murphy's family is scheduled to meet with first lady Michelle Obama when she visits Oak Creek Thursday, August 23rd.
BMO Harris Bank has established a fund for the Oak Creek Police Association to benefit injured Lt. Brian Murphy. Murphy was critically wounded while giving aid to a victim after being among the first to the scene of Sunday's shooting at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek.
The account is located at the M&I Branch at 8900 S. Howell Avenue in Oak Creek, but all M&I and Harris branches will accept donations. The bank is contributing an additional $10,000 to the account to help support Lt. Murphy and his family.
“Lieutenant Murphy is a dedicated Commander, who, along with other Officers brought to an end a tragic incident in our community. His actions undoubtedly saved the lives of many others who were attending worship at the Sikh Temple. Because of the outpouring of concern and support for Lt. Brian Murphy of the Oak Creek Police Department, we are establishing an account for donations to be made on behalf of Lt. Murphy and his family," Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said.
BMO Harris Bank is also announcing a contribution of $10,000 to the Sikh Temple to further help the Sikh community.
Additional contributions can be made to the Temple through the website www.wearesikhs.com.
CLICK HERE for additional Sikh Temple shooting coverage via FOX6Now.com.