Congressman Krishnamoorthi on Hate-Motivated Attack on Sikh Man in California: In This Assault “We Have Seen the Worst of Our Country, But Not Its True Nature”

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to a reportedly hate-motivated attack in Keyes, California last week in which white supremacists beat Surjit Malhi, a Sikh man, and spray-painted "Go Back to ur country" on his truck accompanied by a white supremacist symbol:

"I was appalled to learn of the attack on Mr. Malhi last week in California at the hands of men motivated by hate and committed to a vision of our country that turns its back entirely on of its most important values: inclusion. In this assault on Mr. Malhi, we have seen the worst of our country, but not its true nature. The true American spirit of inclusion and unity has been exemplified by Mr. Malhi's own commitment to his community through his work on behalf of the homeless and victims of wildfires, just as much of his community has shown that same spirit in rallying in support of him in recent days.

The men who attacked Mr. Malhi told him to ‘go back to your country.' This is Mr. Malhi's country, just as it is any other American's who lives a life of dignity, inclusion, hard work, and service."