In a heart-wrenching incident, a 66-year-old Sikh man, Jasmer Singh, lost his life due to head injuries sustained during an assault following a minor car accident in New York. This distressing event occurred when his vehicle collided with the car driven by a 30-year-old man named Gilbert Augustin in Queens. Adding to the tragedy is the fact that this marks the second attack against a Sikh individual within a week in the same area.
This incident garnered significant attention, prompting a public statement from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who strongly condemned the violence. Mayor Adams expressed his deep concern and made a commitment to protect the Sikh community, acknowledging the pain and sorrow felt by all New Yorkers. He emphasized that Jasmer Singh, a beloved member of the community, deserved more than the tragic end he met and that the city stands united against the hatred that led to this senseless loss of life.
Mayor Adams further extended a solemn vow to the Sikh community, reassuring them that they are not alone in their grief. The promise made by the city is to reject the hatred that claimed Jasmer Singh's life and to provide protection and support to the community during these challenging times. To fulfill this commitment, the Mayor's team will be meeting with Sikh leaders in the coming week to address the specific needs of this vital community.
According to a report in the New York Daily News, the collision between the vehicles of Jasmer Singh and Gilbert Augustin occurred on a Thursday, resulting in damage to both cars. When Singh tried to call 911 to report the incident, a bystander allegedly prevented him, saying, "No police, no police," and seized his phone.
In an attempt to recover his phone, Singh exited his vehicle and pursued Augustin. The situation escalated into a heated argument, and Singh eventually managed to reclaim his phone. Tragically, the altercation turned physical, with Augustin assaulting Singh, striking him three times in the head and face.
Police intervened, apprehending Gilbert Augustin the following Friday, approximately two miles from the accident site. It was discovered that Augustin had a suspended driver's license, and his Alabama license plate did not match his New York registration, raising questions about his legal status and driving credentials.
This disturbing incident follows another hate-motivated attack against a 19-year-old Sikh boy who was riding a bus in Richmond Hill and heading to a Gurudwara just the previous week. In this case, a 26-year-old individual named Christopher Philippeaux punched the teenager in the back of the head, attempted to remove his turban, and callously told him, "We don't wear that in this country."
The tragic loss of Jasmer Singh serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address hate crimes and violence against minority communities. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action from both the Sikh community and concerned citizens, demanding justice for Jasmer Singh and enhanced protection for Sikh individuals in the United States.
In the face of this tragedy, it is imperative that we stand together as a society, united against hate, and work toward a future where such senseless acts of violence are eradicated. The memory of Jasmer Singh and others like him should inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and tolerant world.
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