US: Sikh man beaten, told 'go back to your country'
What's the story
A 50-year-old Sikh man was allegedly beaten up by two white men in Keyes, California and a racist message "Go back to ur country" was spray-painted on his pickup truck. The victim was hit multiple times by the men who screamed racial slurs, "You're not welcome here! Go back to your country!" The authorities called the assault a "heinous" hate crime. Here's more.
Escape
Victim escaped major injury because of his turban: Report
Sheriff Sergeant Tom Letras said the victim was placing signs for local candidates near the intersection of Keyes and Foote roads when two white men wearing black hooded sweatshirts ambushed and beat him to the ground. According to a Facebook post, the man was beaten on the head with a rod. But he escaped major injury because of his turban, The Sacramento Bee reported.
Information
Police is investigating the matter and looking for suspects
The police department is looking for help identifying the suspects or witnesses to the crime. The incident is considered an assault with a deadly weapon and hate crime. The victim's identity is not being released at this time, Letras added.
Sikh community
Sikhs in the US experiencing one hate crime per week
Hate crimes against the Sikh community have raised alarm in the Central Valley numerous times over the years. After 9/11, a spate of local crimes against Sikh people was attributed to misplaced anti-Muslim bigotry. There are an estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the US. Reportedly, Sikhs in the US are experiencing an average of one hate crime per week since the starting of 2018.