Washington, Aug 6 (IANS): Calling Sikhs "a part of our broader American family", President Barack Obama has promised his administration's full support to the response and investigation of Sunday's rampage at a Sikh gurdwara in Wisconsin.

"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," he said in a White House statement.

"My administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation," Obama said.

And from Boston, Obama's Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, called the slayings "a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship".

His and wife Ann's hearts, Romney said, "are with the victims, their families, and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community".

Statement by the US president on the shooting in Wisconsin:

"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin.

"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.

"My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation.

"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."