SALDEF urges community to remain vigilant and aware of surroundings Washington, DC – August 26, 2008: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, is shocked and concerned about the number of violent attacks against Sikhs across the United States in recent weeks. The Incidents Phoenix, Arizona: On August 4, 2008, Mr. Inderjit Singh Jassal was working at a 7-11 store in West Phoenix when 27-year-old Jermaine Canada walked in with his two children, aged 2 and 6. According to the surveillance video, Mr. Singh and Mr. Canada had a short conversation, at the end of which Mr. Canada pulled a concealed firearm from his shirt and shot and killed Mr. Jassal. New York City: On August 8, 2008, the dead body of a homeless man was found in front of a Gurdwara in Richmond Hill, New York. Published articles report that the victim was violently beaten to death to the point of being almost unrecognizable as he lay in a pool of blood. Media reports indicate that the homeless man was a Sikh, but this has not yet been confirmed. Oxnard, California: On August 16, 2008, Gurmohinder Singh, an owner of multiple convenience stores in California was shot and killed by 22-year-old Jeffery Aguilar as he walked out of the US Bank in Oxnard California. In each of these crimes where a motive has yet to be determined, SALDEF representatives are leading efforts to ensure that hate and bias are explored as possible motives until evidence shows otherwise. “Each time a violent crime occurs against a member of the Sikh community, we must stand together to ensure that the police investigation is conducted in a thorough and comprehensive manner,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “In too many cases, Sikh Americans have been victims not only of a crime, but also of incomplete police investigations. We strive to ensure that all criminal investigations involving victims are taken seriously and conducted expeditiously.” SALDEF Responses Phoenix, Arizona: SALDEF representatives worked with local community members to help facilitate dialogue between the community and law enforcement. SALDEF also aided the victim’s family in efforts to obtain travel documents for his family to India. New York City: SALDEF immediately connected with the NYPD to ensure the investigation is conducted appropriately. Additionally, SALDEF has partnered with the National Coalition for the Homeless ito help bring awareness to crimes against the most vulnerable members of our community. Oxnard, California: SALDEF is working with local community members to ensure that their concerns are addressed. SALDEF has also contacted law enforcement officials to ensure that the assailant, who was arrested, is convicted to the fullest extent of the law. “While these instances have occurred in quick succession over the past several weeks, we do not see this as indicative of a trend,” said SALDEF National Director Rajbir Singh Datta. “It is though a striking reminder of the presence of hatred and the lack of awareness in our country.” SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly toll free at 877-917-4547 or via email at info@saldef.org. We all have a responsibility to ensure our freedom from harassment and discrimination. Please distribute this widely to family, friends and at the local Gurdwara
