Lack of Arrest in Apparent Hate Crime Frustrates Community

What’s the definition of a hate crime?

If you point a gun to a turban-wearing Sikh and utter “I hate turban people,” to many that would constitute a hate crime.

At the very least, the mere act of pulling out a gun and aiming for a person’s head would be considered by most logical people a criminal offense.

Three weeks after Sikh Uber driver Gurjeet Singh in Quad Cities, Illinois reported a passenger did that to him, no charges have been filed.

No arrest has been made.

The lack of progress in the investigation angers the Sikh Coalition.

“In a textbook hate crime case, Gurjeet Singh’s attacker pointed a gun at his head and violently threatened him with racist, xenophobic language that targeted his Sikh articles of faith,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director Amrith Kaur to the Voice. “Hate crimes affect not just individuals, but entire communities, and we cannot combat hate without acknowledging it and addressing it head on.”

Holding up the investigation is the decision by the Rock Island County State’s Attorney that his office had a conflict of interest in the case.

It has turned over the investigation to the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s office. As of two days ago, that office was still waiting for the case file.

“It’s fair for all of us to wonder why this very straightforward hate crime case has dragged on for three weeks without an arrest and hate crime charges,” said Kaur. “We will continue working with Gurjeet Singh and the local sangat to ensure justice in this case.”

According to the Washington Post, the sheriff’s office has interviewed the suspect and another passenger in the car, as sell as the driver, Singh, himself.

They expected to charge the suspect with aggravated assault by last week.

“We’re hoping to bring this case to resolution, certainly, for the Sikh community as quickly as possible, because I know they’re concerned,” Sheriff Gerry Bustos said to the Post. “The moment we are able to file a criminal charge, we absolutely will.”

AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart.  We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns.  Check out our Facebook page  and our Twitter feed,  Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story for consideration.