Brutal LA Assault on Elderly Sikh: Hate Crime Allegations Rise
A 70-year-old Sikh man, Harpal Singh, was violently attacked in Los Angeles on August 12, 2025, sustaining grievous injuries. The assailant, Bo Richard Vitagliano, has been apprehended.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has attributed the attack to a property dispute, declining to classify it as a hate crime. However, this assertion is being challenged.
Mr. Singh remains unconscious, hindering his ability to provide a statement. The Sikh Coalition has voiced serious concerns about the LAPD’s assessment, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation.
The incident has sparked outrage within the Sikh community and raised broader questions about the handling of hate crime investigations in the US. The lack of clarity surrounding the motive, coupled with the victim’s incapacitation, fuels concerns that potential bias may be overlooked. This case underscores the need for heightened vigilance and sensitive investigations into attacks targeting minority communities.
