Police chief, mayor eager to release dashcam video following shooting

OAK CREEK -- Oak Creek leaders have been working around the clock investigating Sunday's Sikh Temple shooting and making sure those in the community feel safe. Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards, and Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi spoke about the latest in the investigation Thursday, August 9th, and say they're eager to release dashcam video from Sunday's shooting.

Mayor Scaffidi said Thursday he's watched dashcam video that provides insight into Sunday's shooting incident. He said he agrees with Chief Edwards sentiments that the public should see how Oak Creek police officers responded.

"Whatever feelings I had before I saw it were amplified, and I'm even more impressed with all these first responders. I think the country will realize, and the world will realize how brave these people acted and how heroic Lt. Murphy was. Other officers quickly responded and were there in less than five minutes. I think they`re gonna be very impressed," Mayor Scaffidi said.

Lt. Brian Murphy was among the first to the scene Sunday morning, and was providing aid to a victim in the temple's parking lot when he was "ambushed" by the gunman -- 40-year-old Wade Michael Page. Another Oak Creek police officer shot Page in the stomach, before Page turned the gun on himself -- shooting himself in the head.

Mayor Scaffidi and Chief Edwards cannot release the video yet.

"There's legal issues and things we have to look at as far as things on the video. I want to get those out as soon as possible, once we're allowed to," Chief Edwards said.

Officials have said the dashcam may be released the week of August 27th.

Chief Edwards says with the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek now open, the Oak Creek Police Department has immediately gone to work with the Sikh community. He says the plan is about much more than outreach.

"To let them know they can feel safe going back there. We have a presence there and some things we're gonna do, and get that started right away," Chief Edwards said.

Also Thursday, it was announced Lt. Brian Murphy's condition has been upgraded to "satisfactory." He is now out of the ICU, but remains at Froedtert Hospital, where he is said to be improving.

Chief Edwards says he is focusing on his officers who must still report to duty -- many of whom have yet to think about themselves and the impact this has had on them.

"That's one of my main goals now that things have slowed down a bit -- take care of my family, and make sure they're okay and do what we can for them," Chief Edwards said.

Funeral services are planned for Friday, August 10th for all six shooting victims.

Services are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Oak Creek High School gymnasium. In lieu of flowers for Friday's funeral services, Sikh community members are asked that donations be made to victims' families.

CLICK HERE for more on the "We Are Sikhs" Fund.

CLICK HERE for more Sikh Temple shooting coverage via FOX6Now.com.