NYPD Revises Stance to Classify Jasmer Singh’s Case as a Hate Crime

New York City — In recent events, the NYPD has reclassified the incident involving Jasmer Singh as a hate crime. UNITED SIKHS responded to the distressing news with a swift and firm commitment to justice, engaging a cadre of senior officials, civil rights experts, activists, and organizers. This concerted effort has been instrumental in advancing a strategic approach that has produced substantial results.

The killing of Jasmer Singh, initially not recognized as a hate crime by the NYPD, has witnessed a remarkable turnaround due to relentless advocacy and unwavering community mobilization.

Special thanks are due to Community Advisor Japneet Singh and Community Relations Officer Inderjeet Singh, whose dedication and resolve played a critical role. The Sikh Cultural Society, Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, and other community leaders and activists have also been pivotal in this collective push for justice. Most importantly the resolve of Mr Subeg Singh in pursuing this with so much determination and commitment is remarkable,  despite his tragic circumstances. The tireless efforts and relentless advocacy, in coordination with community leaders from various organizations including UNITED SIKHS’ was instrumental in this achievement.

Through close collaboration with the Queens District Attorney’s Office and other dedicated stakeholders, we diligently pushed for a hate crime-focused investigation. The outcome has been groundbreaking, with the suspect now facing 20 separate counts, including a hate crime charge.

Our comprehensive approach included community mobilization, organization, and leadership of rallies, strategic engagement with elected officials ranging from local council members to Congress, meetings with NYC Mayor Adams and faith leaders, and collaborative discussions with federal agencies. In our tireless pursuit of justice, we maintained close bonds with Mr. Singh’s family members, particularly his son, Subeg Singh. This all-encompassing strategy left no stone unturned, ensuring that every resource at our disposal was utilized to secure the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Jasmer’s murder as a hate crime.

While we celebrate this significant victory, our joy is tempered by the heartbreaking reality that Jasmer Singh was meant to be traveling to India with his wife this week. Tragically, his wife now embarks on that journey alone, carrying his ashes. It serves as a poignant reminder that no one should ever have to endure such profound pain and the importance of the freedom to practice one’s faith without fear.

Prominent figures played a pivotal role in this unified effort. “Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and our resilience in the face of adversity. The legacy of Mr. Jasmer is to see Sikhs live a life free of fear and hate. We honor his memory by pursuing justice and ensuring that no one should ever have to endure such profound pain. Together, we can make a difference” stated Mr. Gurpreet Singh, CEO of UNITED SIKHS

UNITED SIKHS remains resolute in our mission to combat hate crimes and senseless acts of violence. “UNITED SIKHS will establish a trial observer team to closely follow the court hearing, provide timely updates, and advocate for justice for Mr. Jasmer Singh’s family and the Sikh Nation as a whole,” stated ICHRA Director, Dr. Henok Gabisa.

Furthermore, in the coming days, we will be convening briefing sessions with Federal government agencies, including the FBI and Department of Justice, to discuss the current state of Sikhs. Our goal is to secure long-term legislative and executive solutions that focus on effective prevention, apprehension, and ultimately eradicating hate crimes against Sikhs. We firmly believe that by uniting as a powerful force, we can make this happen.

Dr. Henok Gabisa
Director, International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA)
UNITED SIKHS