The gunman in yesterday's Sikh temple shooting has been identified as Wade Michael Page.

Authorities confirmed to CBS News on Monday that Page was the suspect in the shooting. He was killed outside the temple in a shootout with police officers after the rampage that left terrified congregants hiding in closets and others texting friends outside for help.

Multiple sources tell CBS News that Page was a former member of the U.S. military, but he was no longer serving actively. It was not immediately clear under what circumstances Page left the military.

Officials had previously described the suspect as a heavy-set, 40-year-old Caucasian with numerous tattoos.

While it has been suggested that ties to racial extremist groups played a role in the shooting incident (due in part to Page’s tattoos), no confirmation has been made of the tie. (more here; edit for clarification)

EDIT: The Southern Poverty Law Center claims that Page was previously tied to the white power music scene.