Attack on an elderly Sikh: Hate crime charges added in Fresno case

Washington, United States (May 31, 2013): As per media reports a Fresno man accused of attempted murder is now facing charges of committing a hate crime. Gilbert Garcia (24) is accused of beating an elderly Sikh man Piara Singh (81) with an iron rod, nearly killing him.

At the time of the attack earlier this month, the FBI did not recognize hate crimes against the Sikh community, but that has since changed, after much pressure following this case.

According to CBS47 TV on May 30, 2013 the District Attorney amended the complaint against Garcia, adding a hate crime.

Rajdeep Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition said, “It sends a message that it is unacceptable for anyone to attack someone else based on who they are. That’s why we have hate crime laws on the books.”

Garcia is in jail with bail set at more than $1.5 million. His next court date is set for June 26th.