(CNN) - Hours after a fatal shooting at a Sikh temple outside of Milwaukee, President Barack Obama issued a statement of support Sunday saying he and his wife, Michelle, "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," the president said in a statement released by the White House.
Reasonable people must gather to discuss what we plan to do about gun violence. The N.R.A. should not represent gun owners and the ultra-left-wing should not represent those who want to create workable control solutions. We don't need sound bites from radicals – we need common sense solutions that respect gun ownership while restricting distribution to mentally ill, domestic and foreign terrorists, and proven criminal elements. We need to limit the asquisition and capability of weapons relative to their use in home defense, self-defense, hunting, competitive shooting, plinking for fun, and collecting for historic, sentimental, or artistic value. This can be done best achieved by people who do not work as lobbyists and do not worry about the political ramifications of opposing the N.R.A. or anti-gun lobbys.
I commend the officer that risked his life to stop the gunman. Thoughts are with those who are suffering.
I wonder if the President is going to go there.
Dear GOD, not again, why so much hate? this is horrible. And in a place of worship? why? because of how they look? so very sad.MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Hate unravels the threads that binds this nation together.
Tragic. Gun ownership and use is now so pervasive in American society it seems pointless to even discuss gun control any more.
Gun control period
Another senseless tragedy that will be talked about and then forgotten – Are they going to label this MURDERER as a suspect or someone who's sick??? Gun violence must stop from Detroit to the rest of the country!!
I prayer for all of the victims and their families during this tragic moment – R.I.P.
Thank you President for everything you are doing for the families.And may god bless you and your family.
how many of these shootings do we need to have before we have a serious discussion on gun control?
my family's thoughts and prayers also go out to the victims, first responders, the wounded officer and the temple as a whole. When will the senseless acts end? My only regret is that the alleged shooter got off too EASY being taken down...wish they could have taken him alive first, find out what the motivation was behind this crime, and then let him meet his maker.
A tragedy is an accident. This was an outrage!
The Sikh temple shooting, unfortunately, is not an aberration. It's the offspring of America's excessive and dangerous level of patriotism, and deeply rooted in ignorance and prejudice. A lot of people and institutions daily contribute to these acts of violence against immigrants, by ignoring the need to educate we Americans, that humanity shares a common thread. From the justice system to the employment world, the rights and respect of immigrants are mostly secondary. Sometimes, we are even willing to subvert our own values and justice against truth and against the immigrant, to stoke our sense of patriotism. The consequence of such reaction and attitude, is a divisive perception. A perception that the individual that is not like me, is an enemy. Does not deserve the human respect, equity, and in extreme cases, like this shooting, is disposable. This mindset is even ignorantly encouraged by the most educated of us, who are rejectful of the idea of fairness for the average immigrant, and suffer from what I call the "docile expectation syndrome".
He doesnt look too upset he's giving a thumbs up.
I am glad no one is trying to make this political. The shooting was a terrible thing and my thoughts, prayers, and sincerest sympathy go out to the victims and their familes.
How many more of these killings are needed before America wakes up and starts to
ban guns out of the sociaty. If elected Obama wil stand up for new gunlaws in the USA.
So elect this President and then PROTECT him!