NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD increased security at Sikh temples around the five boroughs after seven people were killed in a horrific shooting in Wisconsin Sunday — the second mass killing in the US in less than a month.
The bloodshed occurred at 10:30 a.m. at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, in Oak Creek, near Milwaukee, when a gunman opened fire as the congregation was gathering, according to the Wall Street Journal.
It also comes just weeks after a gunman killed 12 people at a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colo.
“The NYPD is increasing coverage in and around Sikh temples in New York City today, including the deployment of Critical Response Vehicles, as a precaution in the wake of the Wisconsin shooting," said the department's chief spokesman Paul Browne.
"There is no known threat against Sikh temples in New York City, however, the coverage is being put in place out of an abundance of caution.”
According to the Journal, four of the victims were found inside the temple and three outside.
Among the dead was the shooter, who fired at the first officer to arrive, the report said. That cop was shot multiple times and was hospitalized, according to the report.
There were two other men in critical condition, according to the Journal.
When the gunfire erupted women and children hid in the temple's closets.
Among those shot were three priests, according to the report. It was not clear what sparked the violence.
