Posted in ICHRAPress Release
Photo by Satpal Singh Purewal
July 22, 2021
New York, NY
On July 6, 2021, Federal Way Police shot a Sikh man, Paramjit Singh, in the face following a 9/11 call. UNITED SIKHS and community leaders accompanied the family to meet with the Federal Way Chief of Police and the City’s Mayor to ensure that Sikh and other minorities communities’ concerns are heard. The main concern is the perception that these communities may be endangering their families and neighbors when someone calls the police for help.
The use of excessive force by police is not uncommon in minority communities and led to the race crisis this year in the United States following the deaths of countless minorities and especially Black civilians. UNITED SIKHS requested a meeting with Chief of Police Andy Hwang to ensure that Paramjit Singh’s family is fully informed of ongoing investigations and that community relations remain positive. “The main focus of the meeting was to ensure that Federal Way police are trained to identify the existence of potential mental health concerns when responding to the community’s calls for help and de-escalate. The goal should always be to prevent the use of excessive force under all circumstances,” stated UNITED SIKHS advisor Harchhinder Singh who accompanied Trilok Singh (Paramjit Singh’s father) to the meeting with the City’s top law enforcement and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.
Mayor Ferrell expressed concern for Paramjit Singh’s health and was apologetic that he had been hurt. He explained that while Federal Way police would be conducting its own investigation regarding the police shooting of Paramjit Singh, the Valley Independent Investigative Team (VIIT) would also be investigating this shooting. Some information was shared with Trilok Singh, but because of the ongoing investigation, many questions remained unanswered. UNITED SIKHS and Paramjit Singh’s family were grateful for the opportunity to meet, but too many questions remain unanswered. UNITED SIKHS will continue to engage in dialogue with Federal Way officials.
Paramjit Singh has been released from the hospital. The bullet irreparably damaged one of his eyes.
While we continue to pray for Paramjit’s health, UNITED SIKHS will continue to provide support and continued assistance to Paramjit Singh, Trilok Singh and their family as well as Sikh and other minority communities. “We will continue to work with the community and law enforcement to ensure procedural changes and law reforms that will keep communities safe and engaged,” stated Wanda Sanchez Day, UNITED SIKHS’ National Legal Director.
By: Eva Landeo
Media and Development Coordinator
Recognize The Human Race As One
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