A man in New York has been charged with manslaughter and assault as hate crimes after fatally beating an elderly Sikh person during a car accident. Gilbert Augustin was arraigned on Tuesday for the death of 66-year-old Jasmer Singh, whom he attacked after a fender bender in Queens. Prosecutors allege that Augustin repeatedly referred to Singh as a “turban man” during the dispute. District Attorney Melinda Katz described the incident as a case of “a fender bender immediately escalating to hateful language and then brutal, deadly violence.” If convicted, Augustin could face up to 25 years in prison. This attack occurred just days after another Sikh boy was assaulted in a separate incident. New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams met with members of the Sikh community to address the issue of hate crimes. Rajkumar vowed to use the levers of government to end hate crimes against Sikh Americans and educate the public about Sikh culture. Singh’s son, Subeg Singh Multani, called for the attack on his father to be pursued as a hate crime. The incident occurred when Singh’s car collided with Augustin’s vehicle, and an argument ensued. Augustin allegedly grabbed Singh’s phone and punched him multiple times, causing him to fall and sustain a fatal brain injury. Augustin was later apprehended and charged in a 20-count indictment, including manslaughter and assault as hate crimes.
New York Hate Crime: Sikh Fatally Attacked, Man Faces Manslaughter Charges
