Obama, Romney express sorrow, offer prayers to Wisconsin shooting victims

President Obama and Mitt Romney on Sunday each expressed sorrow over the shootings in Wisconsin and said their families are praying for the victims and their families.

At least seven people were killed when a gunman opened fire Sunday morning at a Sikh temple in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek, authorities said. Several dozen people were gathering for a service at the Sikh Temple. The suspected shooter later died in an exchange of gunfire with police.

“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin,” the president in a statement. “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. … 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.”

Romney, the GOP presidential candidate, said he and wife Ann were praying and called the mass shooting “a senseless act of violence.”

“Ann and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims,” Romney said. “This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community. We join Americans everywhere in mourning those who lost their lives and in prayer for healing in the difficult days ahead.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.