UNITED SIKHS Prays With the Family of Paramjit Singh, Shot by Washington Police

July 10, 2021
New York, NY
On July 6, 2021, Federal Way (Washington state) police shot and critically injured Paramjit Singh.  He remains hospitalized and in critical condition.
Mr. Singh’s family owns and manages the Eastwind Motel.  According to Paramjit Singh’s family, they called 911 because they were concerned Paramjit was suffering a mental health crisis.  Local news agencies have reported the police were responding to calls about a man who was breaking windows and challenging people to fight.  Police stated that when they arrived at the scene, Paramjit charged the police with a knife and grabbed the motel manager.  A police officer opened fire and shot Paramjit Singh. 
While there is an on-going investigation to determine exactly what happened, it appears the police officer did not make any efforts at de-escalation before firing his weapon.  Nor did the police officer realize that the motel manager “grabbed” by Paramjit Singh was his father.  Apparently, the police officer shot at Paramjit Singh with little or no warning and did not use a taser.  The Federal Way police do not wear body cameras so there is no police footage of the incident.  The officer who shot Paramjit has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. 
Paramjit Singh’s wife, Harpreet Kaur, is distraught.  She characterized the police reaction as, “too much.”  She expected that the police would help calm Paramjit Singh.  No one in the family thought that this call would result in Paramjit being shot in his face.  “At least ask us who we are,” she said.  “Why didn’t they use a taser?  Why did they shoot him in his leg or his arm?  They shot him in the head.  How can he survive that?”
Harchhinder Singh, a community leader in Seattle, and advisor to UNITED SIKHS said, “We respect the police, but this escalated approach is not at all acceptable.  Police should practice de-escalation before taking any harmful actions.”
Currently Paramjit Singh remains hospitalized.  He has had surgery to his face and one of his eyes.  He has not been charged with any crime.  In the event, Paramjit Singh is arrested and charged with a crime, UNITED SIKHS stands ready to ensure bail for him. 
Gun violence is tragically common in this country – be it from police officers or civilians.  UNITED SIKHS urges local, state, and federal government to enact legislation that will protect people like Paramjit Singh, who may have been suffering from mental health issues and was likely a greater danger to himself than to others.  Police officers must be trained in de-escalation tactics and in training to prevent excessive force.  
UNITED SIKHS prays for Paramjit Singh’s recovery and for strength for his family.  UNITED SIKHS legal team has reached out to local authorities to ensure continued communication and transparency and address civil and human rights concerns in the Sikh community.
By:  Eva Landeo
Media and Development Coordinator