Florida Sikh Shot While Driving: Fears Loss of Business, Suspects Remain at Large
May 9, 2013 (New York, NY) – Two months after he was shot in what authorities continue to investigate as a possible hate crime shooting, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh is back at his Central Florida home, recovering from the attack. Although he has a long road ahead of him, his doctors are hopeful that he will make a full recovery.
On February 23, 2013, Mr. Singh had just closed the convenience store he recently purchased and was traveling home with his 13-year-old son when a truck pulled up beside them. The individual(s) in the truck opened fire on Mr. Singh and his son, spraying bullets into their vehicle. Mr. Singh sustained gunshot wounds in his thigh and torso.
The person or people who attacked Mr. Singh have yet to be apprehended. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and local law enforcement continue to investigate the incident and have released information about the missing suspect truck: S-10 or GMC Sonoma-style truck, single-cab, dark blue or black truck with a license plate and Ford decal or emblem on the right rear bumper.
Sikh Coalition and SALDEF have connected with Police Chief Gerald Monahan, Jr. and the family. In addition, on May 8th, the two organizations worked with the Department of Justice's Community Relations Service to coordinate a Hate Crimes Prevention event.
Since the purported hate crime attack, Mr. Singh and his family, including his wife and two children, have suffered from significant financial problems. Due to Mr. Singh's medical condition, he is unable to return to work at his convenience store. The family is behind in paying utility bills and purchasing inventory to keep the store open. They are in serious risk of losing their business, barely two months after it first opened, because of this violent, senseless, and terrifying attack.
*In the true Sikh spirit of seva, we humbly request your support in assisting this family during this financially and psychologically distressing time.* You may financially support Mr. Singh and his family by writing checks made payable to Mr. Kanwaljit Singh and mailing them to:
Mr. Kanwaljit Singh
c/o Sikh Society of Central Florida
2527 W. State Road 426
Oviedo, FL 32765
(Note that contributions are NOT tax deductible)
You can also help local authorities catch the perpetrator(s) of this crime by contributing to the Crimestoppers fund. The fund gives reward money to citizens for tips which help with the investigation. Contact the Executive Director of Crimestoppers, Alyson Durrance at 386-212-6543 to make a financial contribution on behalf of Mr. Kanwaljit Singh.
Every donation, in any amount, is meaningful and can make a difference. Thank you for your seva.
As always, we urge all Sikhs to practice their faith fearlessly.
