The Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned a recent violent attack allegedly targeting an elderly Sikh man in broad daylight in North Hollywood. CAIR-LA also urged the community to share any information about the attack with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and called on the department to investigate the incident as a hate crime.
SEE:
- Sikh community rallies after man brutally beaten with golf club in North Hollywood attack
- Investigators searching for suspect who violently attacked 70-year-old Sikh man in North Hollywood
On Monday, Aug. 4, 70-year-old Harpal Singh was brutally beaten while walking near the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles. The attacker allegedly approached Singh on a bike and physically assaulted him with a golf club, causing severe injuries to his face and head. Following the attack, Singh was hospitalized with internal bleeding in his brain and reportedly remains unresponsive and in critical condition.
Witnesses report that the suspect is a man in his 50s, but no arrests have been made in connection with the attack. The LAPD has stated that an investigation into the incident is underway, although they are not currently investigating the attack as a hate crime.
On Monday, Aug. 11, the local Sikh community, joined by LA City Council members, held a press conference calling for stronger security measures in the area.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“This disturbing attack against Singh, an older member of the Sikh community, cannot be brushed aside. Every person deserves to feel safe in their neighborhoods, especially at their place of worship, and this act of brutal violence is shocking and violates the values of diversity, tolerance, and respect that LA’s communities are built on.
“We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community and echo their calls for justice. We call on the LAPD to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack as a possible hate crime. We also urge anyone with information regarding the attack to come forward so the assailant can be held fully accountable for their appalling actions.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the attack or has information that may lead to the identification of the perpetrator is encouraged to contact the LAPD at (877) 275-5273.
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’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-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com