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A 70-year old Sikh man Harpal Singh is in a critical condition after being the victim of a possible hate crime on August 4. Singh was assaulted with golf clubs in North Hollywood when he was out for his walk around 3 P.M.
The incident took place near the Lankershim Sikh Gurdwara, a place of worship that Singh frequented. Singh was transported to a local hospital, where he has undergone multiple surgeries for head and facial injuries and remains in the intensive care unit.
Reports suggest that the incident — which could be a hate crime — has given rise to anxiety among the city’s Sikh community.
In a statement, SALDEF’s Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill said, “We do not yet know whether this was a hate-motivated attack, but we do know that no one should fear for their safety in their community,” she said in a press statement. “Guided by Sikh values of nyay (justice), seva (selfless care), and Sarbat da Bhalla (the welfare of all), our focus must be on care, safety, and ensuring a full and thorough investigation.”
The Sikh Coalition published a press release on August 5 stating that Sikhs are the third most-targeted religious group for hate crimes in the United States. The statement is based on newly release FBI data, which recorded 153 hate crimes against Sikhs in the last year.
This is a developing story and will be updated.