After controversial DHS Mr Singh post, Sikh truck driver stabbed 17 times in America, suspect arrested
A 28-year-old Sikh truck driver from Sacramento was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop. A suspect was arrested, while the attack's motive remains unknown
PTC Web Desk: A 28-year-old Punjabi Sikh truck driver from Sacramento was stabbed 17 times at a rest stop in Wyoming, leaving him with serious injuries to his neck, chest, arms and ribs.
The attack took place at the Bitter Creek Rest Area along Interstate 80 as the driver, identified as Gurvinder Singh in reports, was travelling towards Pennsylvania.
According to reports citing NPR, Singh had stopped at the rest area on Sunday morning to use the restroom when another man followed him inside. Singh said the man suddenly attacked him with a knife.
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Despite suffering multiple stab wounds, Singh managed to get out of the restroom. He collapsed outside and called for help.
Family helps injured truck driver
A Hispanic family at the rest area heard the commotion and went to Singh's aid. They helped tend to his injuries and contacted authorities.
The family also provided police with details about the suspect's vehicle. Investigators used the information to locate the truck near Rawlins, about 113 km from the rest area. The suspect, identified as Andrew Kris Bzdak, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder. Authorities have not publicly established what led to the attack or identified a motive.
Gurvinder Singh has been working as a commercial truck driver for about three years. While recovering in hospital, he expressed concern about the safety of other Punjabi Sikh drivers who spend long periods travelling across the United States.
Attack follows controversial DHS 'Mr Singh' post
The Wyoming stabbing has also drawn attention because it happened only days after a controversial social media post by the US Department of Homeland Security.
The DHS post featured a movie-style graphic showing a Sikh-looking man identified as “Mr Singh” and included the message, “Get off our roads; you don't know how to drive, Mr Singh,” along with a call to “self-deport”. The post was later removed following widespread criticism.
DHS said the post was connected to its immigration-enforcement messaging concerning Indian truck driver Harjinder Singh, who has been accused in connection with a fatal Florida crash.
The timing of the Wyoming attack has prompted concern among Sikh and South Asian Americans. However, there is currently no confirmed evidence that the stabbing was connected to the DHS post, and authorities have not said that Singh was attacked because of his race, religion or immigration status.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemns attack
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the stabbing and expressed concern about hostility directed towards Sikh and South Asian communities.
In a statement issued on September 17, Krishnamoorthi said he was “horrified” by the attack and called for accountability for those responsible. He also thanked the family that helped Singh after he was injured.
Krishnamoorthi had earlier criticised the DHS “Mr Singh” post, arguing that using the surname in such messaging could contribute to negative stereotyping of Sikh and South Asian Americans.