US: Man Charged with Manslaughter in Deadly Assault of Elderly Sikh in New York – News18

A 30-year-old man from Queens, New York was arraigned on Tuesday on multiple charges, including manslaughter and assault as hate crimes, following a fatal incident involving 66-year-old Jasmer Singh. Earlier this month, Singh tragically lost his life following an altercation with Gilbert Augustin, who is accused of attacking him after a fender bender in the Kew Gardens neighbourhood.

In a statement, District Attorney Katz described the incident as a case where a minor car accident quickly escalated due to hateful language, resulting in a senseless tragedy. Katz also expressed gratitude for the efforts of her office and the New York Police Department in thoroughly investigating the crime.

Augustin faces a 20-count indictment, including charges of manslaughter in the first degree as a hate crime, manslaughter in the first degree, assault in the second degree as a hate crime, assault in the second degree, and various other charges related to the incident.

The collision occurred on October 19 when Singh’s blue Toyota collided with Augustin’s black Ford Mustang on the Van Wyck Expressway. After the collision, both parties pulled over to assess the damage. A witness observed Augustin engaging in a verbal dispute with Singh, repeatedly referring to him as “Turban man” and expressing a desire to avoid involving the police.

During the altercation, Augustin grabbed Singh’s cell phone and argued with him. Singh eventually retrieved his phone, after which Augustin punched him three times in the head and face. Singh fell to the ground, hitting his head and suffering a brain injury. He was taken to the hospital but passed away the following day.

Read More: ‘Turban Does Not Mean…’: New York Mayor Adams Amid Recent Attacks on Sikhs

‘Your turban does not mean terrorism’

On Sunday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams strongly condemned the growing number of hate crimes against the members of the Sikh community, saying that the turban does not mean terrorism but symbolises faith. Speaking at the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center in the Queens neighbourhood of South Richmond Hill, Adams described the recent attacks against the community as a “stain” on the United States.

Addressing the Richmond Hill crowd, the New York Mayor gave a clarion call for educating people about Sikhism. “You are not about terror; you are about protector. That is what needs to be taught throughout this entire city. Our young people need to know that, our adults need to know that,” Adams was quoted as saying by PTI.

Describing the Sikh community as an “anchor” in the neighbourhood, Adams said: “Your turban does not mean terrorism. It means protecting, it means community, it means family, it means faith, it means city, it means us coming together. We will change the dialogue and narrative with you. We can do it together.”