Mayor Eric Adams stands with the Sikh community to condemn the hate and violence experienced by members of the faith.
Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck | Mayoral Photography Office
In the wake of a string of attacks on people of the Sikh faith, Mayor Eric Adams joined Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and Sikh leadership at a temple in South Richmond Hill to call for an end to hate crimes against Sikhs.
City officials and religious leaders gathered on Oct. 29 inside the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center, where they heard about the death of Jasmer Singh, 66, a family man and cherished member who died from injuries sustained in an alleged road rage incident this month.
The victim’s son, Subeg Singh Multani, spoke to the attendees about his father’s life and noted how his dad advocated for the Sikh community and its safety. He also called on city leaders to stand up for the welfare of Sikhs.
“I am requesting to you, please take some strong measures,” Singh Multani said, adding that he didn’t want anyone else to face the loss of a family member in such a violent manner.
Jasmer Singh was killed after he got into a vehicular collision in Richmond Hill on Thursday, Oct. 19, that led to a dispute with another driver, Gilbert Augustin, 30, of 111th Avenue. The argument quickly turned violent.
Singh was punched multiple times in the head before falling to the ground, where his head hit the pavement, police said. Augustin then drove away but was arrested and taken into custody hours after the incident, cops said.
Authorities continue to investigate, and Augustin has not at this time been charged with a hate crime.
“Let me tell you, Mr. Mayor, we are the fifth largest religion in the world and all the Gurus taught us that equality must be prevailed,” Singh Multani emphasized in his remarks at the temple.
Adams shared his condolences with the family of the deceased and promised to do more educate the public and himself about Sikhism in the city.
“I will…
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