Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Aug 29: In a shocking incident, a 36-year-old Sikh man identified as Gurpreet Singh was shot dead by Los Angeles police on July 13 after wielding a traditional weapon near the busy Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
According to footage released by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Singh was performing Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art, while brandishing a double-edged sword known as a khanda. Police said they had received multiple 911 calls about a man swinging a large blade at passersby at the intersection of Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard.
Officials stated that Singh abandoned his vehicle in the middle of the road and at one point attempted to slice his tongue. “Officers gave multiple commands for Singh to drop the weapon,” LAPD said in its statement.
When police approached, Singh allegedly threw a bottle at them before fleeing in his vehicle. After a reckless chase, he collided with a police vehicle and came to a stop near Figueroa and 12th Streets. He then charged at officers with the sword, prompting police to open fire. A two-foot-long machete was recovered from the scene and booked as evidence.
Singh was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Police confirmed that no officers or civilians were hurt in the incident.
The case is currently under investigation.