Elderly Sikh Man Attacked in LA Gurdwara Assault

A 70-year-old Sikh man, Harpal Singh, was brutally assaulted near the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles on August 4, suffering a skull fracture and potential brain trauma, police reported. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrested 44-year-old Bo Richard Vitagliano, described as an “unhoused” individual, on Monday for the attack. Vitagliano, who faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and a bail of USD 1.1 million, has a history of narcotics and weapons-related offenses.

The assault occurred during Singh’s daily walk near the gurdwara. According to LAPD, witnesses reported a loud altercation and saw both men swinging metal objects, with Vitagliano continuing to attack Singh after he fell. Witnesses intervened, causing Vitagliano to flee on a bicycle. Paramedics rushed Singh to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition under medical care.

The Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group, noted that Singh is unconscious and unable to provide a full statement, raising concerns about the LAPD’s determination that the attack was not a hate crime but rather a dispute over property. “It’s premature to rule out bias without a thorough interview with Harpal ji,” the coalition stated, urging police to clarify their findings publicly after further investigation.

Also Read: Trial Weighs Trump’s Use of Troops in Los Angeles

Singh’s brother, Dr. Gurdial Singh Randhawa, expressed gratitude for the arrest but emphasized the need for clarity on why the attack is not considered a hate crime. “Our community must feel safe around our gurdwara, a place of worship and connection,” he said. The LAPD has increased patrols in the area and pledged to engage with the Sikh community to address safety concerns, amid calls for a transparent investigation into the incident’s motives.

Also Read: Blaze erupts near LA, forces mass evacuations quickly