On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, Indian American engineers who were shot in Olathe, Kansas this week.
Suspect Adam Purinton allegedly confronted Kuchibhotla and Madasani at a bar with anti-immigrant and racial slurs, including, “Get out of my country,” before opening fire, killing Kuchibhotla and seriously injuring Madasani and Ian Grillot, a bystander who attempted to intervene.
Discrimination, hate, and bigotry have no place in America. The Trump administration’s anti-immigrant actions and intolerant rhetoric only serve to promulgate racism and embolden those who are motivated by prejudice and threatening to roll back the progress we have made. This is not the America we know and cherish today.
America is a nation of immigrants. Diversity is our strength. Even so, this horrendous shooting is a solemn reminder that we still have a long road ahead. We must work to make sure that this type of tragedy is not repeated in any corner of our communities. We must continue to work hard to embrace diversity, promote tolerance, and make sure that we move forward, not backward.
In solidarity,
Clark Lee, Esq., State Chair
Hon. Rishi Kumar, Northern Secretary
Deepa Sharma, Esq., Northern Outreach Chair
California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus 