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Civil rights groups urge LAPD to probe Harpal Singh assault as hate crime
In a joint letter addressed to the LAPD and the District Attorney, the coalition of groups expressed “profound dissatisfaction and concern” with the investigation’s direction.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 16, Aug 2025
- 00:04 EDT
- 25
On Aug.11, UNITED SIKHS joined the Sangat in Los Angeles to demand justice for Harpal Singh. / X
More than 40 civil rights and community-based organizations have joined the Sikh Coalition in demanding that Los Angeles authorities investigate the recent assault on Harpal Singh, an elderly Sikh man, as a potential hate crime.
ALSO READ: Sikh man attacked in North Hollywood, police launch probe
Singh was violently attacked on Aug.4 while on his daily walk near a Sikh Gurdwara and remains in critical condition. A suspect has been arrested, but the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and District Attorney Eric Hochman have not classified the case as a hate crime.
In a joint letter addressed to the LAPD and Hochman, the coalition of groups expressed “profound dissatisfaction and concern” with the investigation’s direction.
“We are deeply troubled by the decision to not investigate this case as a potential hate crime at this early stage,” the letter stated. “This lack of consideration for bias as a potential motive is unacceptable and sends a distressing message to communities across the state.”
ALSO READ: LAPD arrest suspect in North Hollywood attack that left Sikh man severely injured
The organizations argued that because Singh has not been able to provide a full statement, it is “an egregious oversight” to rule out hate as a possible motive.
The letter also underscored the heightened vulnerability of Sikh Americans. According to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics Report, Sikhs are the third-most targeted religious group in the United States. The community is often singled out for attacks because of visible articles of faith, including turbans and uncut hair.
“Hate crimes do not just impact an individual; rather, they impact the entire community,” the groups wrote. “The failure to consider bias as a potential motive erodes community trust and fosters a sense of vulnerability.”
ALSO READ: Sikhs remain third most targeted religious group in US hate crimes: FBI data
The signatories called on law enforcement to “publicly clarify how you determined that hate was not a factor in this assault” and urged officials to reopen the case as a potential hate crime.
Among the organizations backing the letter are the AAPI Equity Alliance, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Japanese American Citizens League, Indian American Muslim Council, Hindus for Human Rights, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and CAIR-LA, alongside multiple Sikh student associations and advocacy groups nationwide.
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