United Sikhs flays politicization of Florida Turnpike crash

The group says it is unjust to turn the incident into indictment against the community.

The advocacy group United Sikhs has expressed condolences to families of victims killed in an Aug.12 crash on Florida’s Turnpike and criticized the political rhetoric that followed the incident involving Harjinder Singh, a Sikh truck driver from Stockton, California.

The crash, which occurred about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach, was caused when Singh made an illegal turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan traveling in the neighboring lane was unable to avoid the truck’s trailer and struck it, killing the driver and two passengers. Singh and his passenger were not injured.

In a statement, United Sikhs said, “The pain of losing loved ones in such circumstances is immeasurable, and our hearts go out to the immediate families affected. The Sikh community mourns this loss alongside them and stands in solidarity in their grief.”

The group raised concern about the way the tragedy has been used in political debates. “It is unjust and irresponsible to turn this incident into an indictment of an entire faith community or immigrant population,” the statement read. “While acknowledging that Mr. Singh may have made a serious error on the road, it is unjust and irresponsible to weaponize this tragedy in the ongoing divide between ‘red’ and ‘blue’ states, and in the amplification of anti-immigration rhetoric.”

United Sikhs also objected to the way Singh was presented publicly in custody, without his turban. “For Sikhs, the turban is a sacred article of faith. Its removal in such circumstances strips an individual of dignity, identity, and religious freedom,” the organization said. It called on law enforcement to handle such matters with cultural sensitivity and respect.

The group stressed that road accidents are a nationwide issue, cutting across race and religion. “Traffic errors and road tragedies, though heartbreaking, occur across America and involve individuals from all backgrounds. These incidents are rarely used to malign entire communities,” the statement noted.

United Sikhs emphasized its support for both the victims’ families and Harjinder Singh, urging that one person’s mistake should not become a reason to stigmatize an entire community. “The organization also affirms the dignity and rights of Harjinder Singh, who deserves fair treatment, cultural respect, and due process under the law,” the statement said.

The group concluded by urging policymakers and law enforcement to “resist politicizing tragedies for partisan or anti-immigrant agenda and to promote fairness, equality, and justice in public discourse.”

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