Man in Sikh Shooting Released from Hospital, Family Needs Support

May 28, 2003. Phoenix, AZ. Avtar Singh Cheira, the Amritdhari Sikh and truck driver who was shot by unknown gunmen on May 19th in Phoenix, AZ was released from the hospital today. Avtar Singh, a 52 year-old resident of Phoenix, wears a beard and turban in keeping with the Sikh faith. While waiting to be picked up by his son after work, two men drove by and shouted, "Go back to your own country,” then opened fire, wounding Singh in the lower abdomen and upper thigh. Local and federal authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Avtar Singh said he felt no anger towards his assailants and that he was simply thankful to be alive. He was grateful, he said, to those who visited him after the incident, and also to emergency medical services personnel, hospital workers and police.The Phoenix police and FBI have registered the case as a hate crime.

Upon Avtar Singh’s release from the hospital, his son Sarabjot Singh said, “My dad wants to go home to recover and to be together as a family. We are very thankful to God that he is being released. We are going to be strong to help him get his strength back.”

The first thing that Avtar Singh spoke about was his concern for his monthly payments and insurance on his big rig which amounts to approximatley $4,000 per month. The family does not have health insurance to assist with paying the hospital bills and, due to Avtar Singh’s injuries, will need help. To support Avtar Singh’s family, the Sikh community has organized a Family Fund.

Anyone who would like to assist the family at this time can make a tax-deductible donation to:

“FUND FOR AVTAR SINGH, A SIKH HATE CRIME”
Bank Of America
Mail Code AZ3-125-01-01
3246 East Bell Road,
Phoenix, AZ 85032

To date, no suspects have been arrested.