Even as the United States fights against one of its most divisive moments, reports have emerged that the death of the Indian national in the country might have been triggered by racial differences.
Shortly after the Olathe shooting in a bar, it emerged that an Indian man had been killed from the incident. He was in the company of his friends Alok Madasani, also Indian and an American – both of whom were injured. The two Indians are engineers at US technology company Garmin.
The murder was hugely talked about in the Indian bulletins and social media, with some throwing the blame on the increasing differences in the West Superpower.
The widow of the deceased said that she was constantly frightened that foreigners are under threat, but her husband assured her that all is well, reports CNN.
She said that she called upon his husband to reconsider their stay. Her suggestion was that they either relocate to India or move to a different country. But he always said “No”.
Hours after the killing, Adam W. Purinton was arrested by the police some 70 miles away from the scene. It is alleged that he fled on foot after the carrying out his heinous acts.
Purinton is accused of having shot two other people. He was charged with one count of premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of attempted premeditated first-degree murder.
‘My husband love this country’
While speaking at a news conference, Mr Kuchibhotla’s wife, Sunayana Dumala, said that his husband loved the country and termed the shootout as crime hate.
While commenting on the matter, Sean Spicer said that it’s tragic to lose life but linking the murder to Donald Trump’s rhetoric was absurd.
“Don’t be shocked! Be angry! Trump is spreading hate. This is a hate crime! RIP #SrinivasKuchibhotla,” read a tweet from Indian actor Siddharth.
The FBI has launched investigation into the matter. The investigating officials are yet to determine what may have triggered the shootout but are paying a keen attention to see if it was racially motivated.
Dumala has requested the FBI to ensure the case is brought to a closure.
“I need an answer. I need an answer from the government. I need an answer for everyone out there,” she said. Her desire is to not only get informed for her husband but also for each person of any given race.
According to one witness, a barman, the attacker used racial slurs while conducting the attacks.
How did the Olathe shooting unfold?
According to bar patron Ian Grillot, 24, who also got injured, the suspect became angered while a basketball game was ongoing.
Whereas no specific information has been provided on the exact actions of the victim, some witnesses say that he started shouting “Get out of my country.”
These statements are yet to be corroborated by the police.
Grillot then approached him, explaining that he has to walk out of the bar for acting in an offensive manner.
The suspect is the said to have asked the patron why he was standing for “them”. He insisted on the word “them” as though it was a derogatory word.
He is said to have left via a pickup but then came back and began shooting.
