Wade Page

Mass Murderer

Wade Michael Page and the 2012 Sikh Temple of Wisconsin Massacre

Background

Wade Michael Page was a 40-year-old white supremacist who carried out a mass shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek on August 5, 2012. The attack killed six worshippers that morning and left several others seriously wounded. A seventh victim died from complications of his injuries nearly eight years later, increasing the eventual number of homicide victims to seven. Page was born on November 11, 1971, and grew up in Colorado. He served in the United States Army from April 1992 until October 1998. His military duties included repairing Hawk missile systems and working as a psychological operations specialist. His service ended with a general discharge following repeated misconduct, including being intoxicated while on duty and being absent without leave. After leaving the Army, Page became deeply involved in the white-power music movement and associated with neo-Nazi and white supremacist organizations. He performed in several racist bands and formed a group called End Apathy. His music, tattoos and social connections reflected a long-standing commitment to white supremacist ideology. Investigators later examined these extremist affiliations while attempting to determine what led him to target a Sikh house of worship.

The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin

The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, also known as a gurdwara, was located at 7512 South Howell Avenue in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. It served as both a religious center and a community gathering place. On Sunday, August 5, 2012, worshippers were arriving for services while other members prepared langar, the free communal meal traditionally served at Sikh temples. Women, children, religious leaders and other congregants were inside the building or on the surrounding grounds. Children's religious classes were scheduled to begin later that morning, and many additional worshippers were expected to arrive. The shooting therefore occurred shortly before the temple would have become considerably more crowded.

The August 5, 2012 Attack

At approximately 10:25 a.m. Central Daylight Time, Page arrived at the temple armed with a legally purchased 9mm Springfield XD(M) semiautomatic pistol. He began firing at people outside and inside the building. The victims were attacked while participating in ordinary Sunday religious activities, preparing food or helping maintain the temple. Page moved through portions of the property and fired repeatedly at worshippers. Four victims were killed inside the temple, while two worshippers were killed outside. Survivors hid in rooms, bathrooms and a pantry as the gunfire continued. Some used telephones to contact emergency dispatchers or family members and warn them not to approach the building. Satwant Singh Kaleka, the temple's president and one of its founders, reportedly confronted Page during the attack. Evidence found inside the building led investigators and Kaleka's family to believe that he attempted to fight or obstruct the gunman. His resistance may have delayed Page long enough for other congregants to escape or find hiding places. Kaleka was fatally shot during the confrontation. ...

Confirmed Victims: (6)

Satwant Singh Kaleka 65 yr old Male

Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting - Wikipedia