Lt. Murphy Released From Hospital
Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy, injured in the shootings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, was in the hospital for more than two weeks but walked out under his own power Wednesday.
Surrounded by family and Oak Creek police officers, Lt. Brian Murphy walked out of Frodetert Hospital under his own power Wednesday.
Murphy was at Froedtert Hospital for more than two weeks after he was shot at least eight times during the attack at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.
One victim in the shootings, Punjab Singh, remains in critical condition. Three others, including Murphy, have now been released.
Murphy looked great, was in good spirits and overwhelmed by the support, Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi said.
A long recovery is ahead, but Scaffidi is glad for Murphy and his family that it will continue at home.
"Given what happened, we're thankful that he survived and is making a good recovery," Scaffidi said. "But it's going to be a long road."
Murphy was the first officer to arrive at the Sikh temple after 911 calls started coming in to the Oak Creek Police Department about 10:25 a.m.
As he went to aid a victim in the parking lot, he was ambushed by Wade Michael Page. At close range, Page shot Murphy at least eight times, including once in the neck.
More police officers arrived and saw Page walking in the parking lot. They commanded him to drop his weapon and put his hands up. Page kept firing, hitting Oak Creek police cars, before an officer returned fire and shot Page in the stomach. Page then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officers then started looking for Murphy after they didn't get a response back from him.
But when they found him, Murphy ordered them into the temple to help the people inside. The officers refused to leave a fellow officer behind, however, and brought him to safety.
Murphy's story has captured worldwide attention, and the Sikh community has lauded him as a hero.
He entered the intensive-care unit after he arrived at the hospital. But he progressed quickly to the point that he was walking two days after the shooting. Four days after the shooting, the hospital upgraded Murphy to satisfactory condition.
Murphy, 51, is a 21-year veteran of the Oak Creek police force.
Through Froedtert, Murphy's family asked for privacy as the lieutenant continues his recovery.
They released a statement Aug. 10 thanking police and first responders, as well as the Froedtert Hospital staff.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and compassion we have received from so many people during this difficult time for our family, and especially thank the Sikh community for including us in their prayers," the family said. "As we continue to support Brian and hope for his recovery, we remember the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. They, and the entire Sikh community, are in our thoughts and prayers."
Shane Gross
9:26 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
An awesome individual and officer. One shoul only hope to have the pride and instinct that he has. God bless and god speed.
Ajeet Singh
8:34 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Great he is heroe.
Harmeet
8:34 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
A true gentelman. Hope he gets well soon. He will be in the heart of every sikh worldwide for long!
Mandeep Nagra
10:36 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
I have just sent this email to Lt. Brian Murphy. I hope others will also show their support.
"Lt. Murphy,
It is with deep gratitude, I offer my heartfelt thanks to you and your fellow officers for responding beyond the call of duty to prevent further loss of lives at the Oak Creek Sikh Gurdwara on Sunday, the 5th of August 2012.
In a Sikh Gurdwara, you behaved like a true Sikh: Ever ready to sacrifice all for the weak and the vulnerable.
My fellow Sikhs and I will not only continue to offer our prayers for your speedy and complete recovery but also ensure that your dedication to service and sacrifice for the sake of our community is never forgotten.
Once again, I salute you Sir, with utmost respect.
Ajit Nagra"
Mandeep Nagra
10:36 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Copy from my FB page, written by my uncle.
Mandeep Nagra
10:36 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Dear Lt Brian Murphy,
You are our hero and what you did is a 110% of what a true sikh is expected to do. Expectation and execution when combined together is what makes one a real hero and that is what you are. we pray for your speedy recovery back to your normal health. May your loved ones have strength to go thru this hopefully short turmoil.
On behalf os Sikh community of Santa Rosa/Petaluma/Rohnert Park, Windsor CA, i thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God bless you and yours, God bless America. You make it a beautiful country to live in.
My respects and my heartfelt thanks to you, Sir Brian Murphy.
Sincerely,
Mandeep S Nagra
Pritam Singh
8:05 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I,Pritam Singh and persons in India all are praiseing the dedicattion of duty of Lt.Murphy and wish him speedy recovery of HEALTH .GOD bless all.I have shown all the dipatches of THE HERO Lt. MURPHY to all my neihbers at Ludhiana Punjab.They are deeply thanking all the police officers .All are safe in AMERICA.