US Gurdwara shooter's death ruled a suicide

Milwaukee: The man who killed six Sikh worshippers at a US temple before fatally shooting himself had a history of alcohol problems and underwent a noticeable personality change in the preceding year, according to an investigative report released yesterday.

The report said Wade Michael Page’s sister told investigators he had a bloated appearance that made her wonder if he had been drinking recently. She also said she noticed Page become more intense over the past year, as if he had lost his sense of humour. She said he took everything literally.

Page, 40, opened fire on 5 August before a service was to start at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin. He killed six people and wounded four before he was shot in the abdomen during a firefight with police. He died after he shot himself in the head.

The Milwaukee County medical examiner’s office ruled his death a suicide.

Page’s sister told authorities her brother didn’t use drugs but had a history of alcohol problems. Online court records show a history of drunken driving and a 1994 arrest in Texas after Page got drunk and kicked holes in the wall of a bar.

Toxicology reports, which would show whether he had drugs or alcohol in his system during the shooting spree, are pending.

The FBI and local authorities are trying to piece together Page’s motive in the attack. He had ties to white supremacy groups and had recently broken up with his girlfriend.

One person wounded in the attack remains hospitalised. Punjab Singh was in critical condition yesterday.

AP