The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today condemned the recent brutal stabbing attack allegedly targeting a Sikh man from Northern California in Wyoming. The organization also called on law enforcement to investigate a possible bias motive for the attack.
SEE:
- CAIR Expresses Solidarity with Sikh Community After Stabbing of Sikh Truck Driver in Wyoming
- Rep. Mike Thompson (D-04) Condemns Attack Targeting Sacramento Sikh Truck Driver
On Sunday, Sept. 13, a truck driver, who only identified himself by his last name Singh, was violently attacked by another truck driver at a rest stop. The perpetrator reportedly punched Singh in the back of the head before pulling out a knife and stabbing him 17 times. Following the attack, Singh was transported to a trauma facility, where he is currently in recovery.
The suspect was identified and taken into custody by the Wyoming Highway Patrol. There is no known motive yet for the attack, but Singh reports that he believes his appearance may have played a role.
The incident occurred just days after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a now-deleted meme on its official X account that read “Self-deport or find out,” and “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive, Mr. Singh,” referring to a common Sikh last name. Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office account condemned the DHS’ hateful post, calling it “racist propaganda.”
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“This violent attack targeting Mr. Singh cannot be brushed aside, especially in the wake of a government entity publicly and irresponsibly posting content that has incited a wave of online hate against the Sikh community.
“Violence against any group, especially those facing an alarming increase in targeted bigotry, must be met with full scrutiny. We urge the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a possible bias motive for this attack, and we echo the Sikh community’s calls for justice and accountability.”
In a statement, CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Civil Rights Managing Attorney Layli Shirani said:
“Dehumanizing rhetoric from those in positions of power does not exist in a vacuum. When a racist administration tells people who look like Mr. Singh to ‘get out’ and implies that an entire community does not belong in this country, it sends a dangerous message that unfortunately leads to real-world consequences. Law enforcement must immediately investigate a possible anti-Sikh motive in the brutal attack targeting Mr. Singh. We stand in solidarity with Sacramento’s Sikh community, and we will continue to work with our partner organizations, elected officials, and community members to combat hate and bigotry in all its forms.”
CAIR-CA encourages community members to report hate or bias incidents to their local CAIR office. Click here to report an incident.
CAIR-CA is the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or [email protected]; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Senior Operations & Development Manager Elle Dunlap, [email protected]; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, (760) 201-7626 or [email protected]; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, (408) 498-5779 or [email protected]