A suspect has been arrested in connection with a brutal attack on a 70-year-old Sikh man, Harpal Singh, who was severely injured in North Hollywood earlier this month.
Singh was attacked on August 4 while taking his daily walk near the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles, sustaining serious injuries including a skull fracture and internal bleeding in the brain, according to the Sikh Coalition.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Bo Richard Vitagliano, 44, who has a lengthy criminal record that includes narcotics and assault with a deadly weapon. Vitagliano was apprehended on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after police recognized him from surveillance footage of the attack. He was arrested while riding his bike in the vicinity where the incident took place.
Despite the arrest, concerns remain within the community regarding whether the assault is being treated as a hate crime. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced that detectives are not investigating the incident as a hate crime, asserting that it stemmed from a property dispute between the suspect and the victim.
Dr. Gurdial Singh Randhawa, the victim’s brother, expressed gratitude for the swift arrest but is seeking clarity on the decision not to classify the attack as a hate crime.
“Justice must be served, and our local Sikh community must know that the area around our gurdwara — where we gather to worship, learn, connect, eat, and serve others — is safe for all,” Randhawa stated.
The Sikh Coalition, dedicated to combating violence against the Sikh community in the United States, emphasized that it is premature to eliminate hate as a possible motive behind the attack. The organization pointed out that the suspect has been in custody for less than 24 hours and that the victim remains unable to communicate due to his critical condition.
“The reality is that elderly men in our community, especially those who maintain their Sikh articles of faith, like turbans and beards, are subjected to violent attacks far too often,” noted Munmeeth Kaur, legal director of the Sikh Coalition.
Kaur also called for a thorough investigation into the assault, indicating that the group plans to engage with the LAPD for more information regarding their investigative process.
In response to the incident, McDonnell announced that North Hollywood police would enhance patrols in the area as part of their efforts to address community safety concerns.
This incident has raised alarms within the Sikh community and beyond about the ongoing violence faced by individuals who visibly present their faith, particularly those who wear turbans and maintain traditional Sikh appearances.
Following the attack, the Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the Sikh community.
Executive director Hussam Ayloush called upon the LAPD to conduct a thorough investigation into the possibility of hate crime motives in this incident, emphasizing the importance of justice for the victim.
The Sikh Coalition was established in response to increased hate violence against Sikhs, particularly after the September 11 attacks. Although Sikhism is a distinct religion from Islam, many perpetrators of hate crimes often conflate Muslims and anyone perceived as Middle Eastern, unfairly targeting Sikhs who visibly exhibit their faith.
As the investigation continues, the Sikh Coalition, along with other community groups, hopes for a clear message from law enforcement regarding their commitment to addressing hate-motivated violence, ensuring safety for all community members.
image source from：latimes
