FBI officials scouring Page's past for any clue as to shooting motive
OAK CREEK -- FBI Special Agent Teresa Carlson announced during a Wednesday, August 8th media briefing investigators are casting a wide net -- trying to determine motive in the Sikh Temple shooting that left six dead and three critically wounded. Officials say 40-year-old Wade Michael Page opened fire inside the temple. Page was shot in the stomach by an Oak Creek police officer, before taking his life with a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
Investigators said Wednesday they have interviewed over 100 people, and have over 100 leads in the case. They say there is no indication Page was targeting Muslims and mistakenly killed members of another religious group -- though that is one of many potential motives law enforcement is looking into.
The FBI says they believe Page is the only gunman responsible for the shooting -- an incident they are looking into as a potential domestic terrorist incident.
A national security source says they are contacting anyone Page may have come into contact with to see whether he had any help in carrying out the shooting -- including whether he was given money, information or other assistance in planning the attack. Investigators say the scope of this investigation is worldwide, and they are looking into Wade's travels overseas, and his time spent playing in approximately 10 bands -- most linked to hate music.
The FBI is also looking into Page's former employers and friends he had contact with, dating back to his childhood, in an effort to understand what drove him to kill.
"We're going to try to talk to anyone he may have had contact with or anywhere he may have been," Carlson said.
Two Sikh priests remain in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital, along with Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy. Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards updated Murphy's condition Wednesday.
"He was up walking. They had him sitting up for a period of time. He was progressing amazingly and we're very, very thankful for that," Chief Edwards said.
BMO Harris Bank has established a fund to benefit the Oak Creek Police Association and Lt. Brian Murphy -- announced during Wednesday's press briefing.
It is unclear at this time when the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek might reopen.
Funeral services for the six who lost their lives will be held Friday, August 10th at Oak Creek High School.
CLICK HERE for additional Sikh Temple shooting coverage via FOX6Now.com.