March 11, 2011

Last weekend, two elderly Sikh American men were shot while out for their afternoon walk in Elk Grove, CA, in what may be a possible hate crime. Surinder Singh, 67, died Friday afternoon on the sidewalk where the shooting took place, and Gurmej Atwal, 78, was shot in the chest twice and is in critical condition. The two men were wearing their traditional turbans and kept thick beards.

Singh's funeral will be Saturday at North Sacramento Funeral Home at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.

Sikh Americans have been the victims of bigotry and violent acts since 9/11. The first victim of a hate crime after 9/11 was a Sikh American, Balbir Singh Sodi. He was murdered because his attackers mistook him for being Arab for his turban and beard.

MPAC is urging law enforcement to investigate this heinous act of violence as a hate crime. Our condolences and prayers go out to the victims’ families and the entire Sikh American community. Every American has the right to wear their religious attire, feel safe and be accepted. It is important for us to work in coalitions to educate those who are ignorant and counter hate with knowledge.

An interfaith prayer vigil will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at the intersection of East Stockton Boulevard and Geneva Point Drive, where the two men were shot.

--
Saadia Khan (saadia@mpac.org)
Civic Outreach Coordinator