US shooting of Asians may be a hate crime
A KANSAS man has been charged with shooting to death an Asian man and wounding another Asian and an American in a bar.
United States federal authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
Adam Purinton, 51, was charged in Johnson County, Kansas, with one count of premeditated first degree murder and two counts of attempted premeditated first degree murder, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe said. Purinton is accused of shooting and killing Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, and wounding Alok Madasani, also 32, in the Austins Bar and Grill in Olathe, Kansas, on Wednesday evening, the Olathe Police Department said.
At least one bystander told the Kansas City Star that the man shouted “get out of my country” before shooting the men. He is also accused of wounding American Ian Grillot, 24, who was shot when he tried to intervene, the Kansas City Star reported.
Two officials from the Indian consulate in Houston were going to Kansas to meet the injured men and police to “ascertain more details of the incident and monitor followup action”, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said.
The US embassy in New Delhi condemned the shooting. “The United States is a nation of immigrants and welcomes people from across the world to visit, work, study, and live,” US chargé d’affaires MaryKay Carlson said.
“US authorities will investigate thoroughly and prosecute the case, though we recognise that justice is small consolation to families in grief.”
A friend and former colleague of the shooting victim Kavipriya Muthuramalingam has raised more than $250 000 (R3.2-million) via a crowdfunding website to help his family with funeral and other expenses.
“This came as an incredible shock – as he is one of the most gentle, nicest human beings you would meet,” Muthuramalingam said.
“He was non-confrontational, non-controversial, easygoing, always smiling.”
The killing led news bulletins in India and drew strong reactions on social media amid growing concerns that US President Donald Trump’s “America First” rhetoric on immigration and jobs has fuelled intolerance.
“Don’t be shocked! Be angry! Trump is spreading hate. This is a hate crime! RIP #SrinivasKuchibhotla,” Siddharth, a well known South Indian actor, tweeted to his 2.6 million followers. — Reuters