Hate crime: EAM Swaraj expresses grief over Sikh man shooting; US envory condemns attack

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday expressed sadness over yet another incident of hate crime in US involving Indian citizen. 

A 39-year-old Sikh man in the US was injured when an unidentified person shot him outside his home and allegedly shouted “go back to your own country” on Saturday night. 

Reacting over the news, EAM Swaraj said, “I am sorry to know about attack on Deep Rai a US national of Indian origin. I have spoken to Sardar Harpal Singh father of the victim.”

US Envoy to India Marykay Carlson has condemned the attack, "Saddened by shooting in Washington. As US Pres said we condemn "hate and evil in all its forms."

“He told me that his son had a bullet injury on his arm. He is out of danger and is recovering in a private hospital,” she added. 

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Earlier in a statement MEA said that the ministry is in touch with local authorities: “CGI San Francisco is in touch with local authorities who are ascertaining the nature of the crime. The Sikh gentleman is able to talk. We wish him a speedy recovery and are ready to offer all possible assistance.”

The Sikh man was working on his vehicle outside his home in the city of Kent in the Washington state on Friday when he was approached by a stranger, who walked up to the driveway, the Seattle Times reported.

Kent police said an argument broke out between the two men, with the victim saying the suspect made statements to the effect of “go back to your own country.” The unidentified man then shot him in the arm.

The victim described the shooter as a six-foot-tall white man, wearing a mask covering the lower half of his face.

Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas said while the Sikh man sustained “non-life-threatening injuries”, they are “treating this as a very serious incident.”

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