SMART to Monitor Investigation, Facilitate Community Outreach New York, NY–Following the beating of a Sikh family in Queens on Sunday night, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) has learned that the New York Police Department Bias Unit is engaged in an intense investigation to arrest three men who committed the apparent hate crime. The incident occurred outside the family’s home in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens, where the attackers punched and spat at the Sikhs while yelling, “bin Laden family, go back to your country.” (SEE: Drunks beat Sikh family — NY Daily News, 8/5/03) Following conversations with local and federal law enforcement officials, SMART has learned that the investigators are very optimistic about identifying the perpetrators and are working with good leads in the case. The victims declined medical treatment, and the family has been contacted to offer support. SMART condemns this bias-motivated attack on the Sikh family and calls on local law enforcement to give the investigation high priority. Such bigoted acts deserve a strong response from local and national political and religious leaders. SMART will continue to update the community about the investigation and community relations efforts. SMART would also like to thank the Arab and Muslim community for its heartfelt support.
