In the United States, seven people including attacker were killed and 20 injured in an attack on a Gurudwara during Sunday morning prayers in Wisconsin. The shooting at Oak Creek, just south of Wisconsin's biggest city Milwaukee, occurred at around 11 am local time. Oak Creek is about 1,250 km from New York.

Preliminary reports said, at least three gunmen were involved in the attack. Police said, while four people were gunned down inside the Gurudwara, three including the shooter died outside the shrine. The identity of the victims are not immediately known.

The critically injured have been admitted to Froedtert hospital. Media reports said, about 12 children have been held hostages. About 300 to 400 people were reported to be at the Gurudwara when the incident took place.

US President Barack Obama, who was briefed by his top counter terrorism advisor, John Brennan, on the shooting, said Sikhs are part of the broader American family.

Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao described the shooting as extremely tragic and said the Embassy is in touch with the National Security Council at White House. She said, an official has been deputed to rush to the site to ascertain the situation on-the-spot.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has expressed shock over the incident and urged authorities in the US to ensure that the sanctity of religious shrines is maintained.

Condemning the incident, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee urged the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to take up the issue of safety of the minority community with the US authorities.