MIDDLETON, WI (WSAU) — Reports out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota indicate that the suspected shooter in Wednesday’s workplace shooting in Middleton had previously had his concealed carry permit revoked.
Authorities in Minnehaha County say police were called to Anthony Y. Tong’s apartment for an incident of a disabled smoke alarm, and during the interactions determined that Tong could be a threat to the public because he was acting paranoid and delusional.
During a search of the apartment Police also found several guns. When asked if he would consider shooting anyone else, Tong didn’t provide a straight answer one way or the other. Police then took him to a local hospital on a 24-hour mental health hold.
His concealed weapons permit was then revoked 2 months later.
Police still haven’t determined a motive behind Wednesday’s shooting at Middleton software company WTS Paradigm. Tong is accused of entering the building and opening fire on his former co-workers, seriously injuring three people. Minutes after the shooting started two Middleton Police officers and two Dane County Sheriff’s deputies cornered Tong and injured him in an exchange of gunfire. He later died from his injuries.
The officers who fired on him have been identified as Deputy David Lambrecht and Deputy Matthew Earll of the Dane County Sheriff’s office. Middleton Police Officers Richard O’Connor and Tyler Loether also fired at Tong. All four are on paid administrative leave from their respective departments while the investigation into Wednesday’s shooting remains open, which is standard procedure.
Tong had been employed at the company since April of 2017.
