Washington, Feb 24, 2017: An Indian engineer was assassinated and two others were injured after an American man yelling "get out of my country" opened fire on them in a crowded bar in Kansas City in an apparent incident of hate crime.
According to Garmin, Kuchibhotla and Madasani worked in the aviation systems of the company. In an official statement, Garmin said, "We're saddened that two Garmin associates were involved in last night's (Wednesday night) incident, and we express our condolences to the family and friends of our co-workers involved. Garmin will have grievance counsellors on-site and available for its associates today and tomorrow."
The FBI has joined forces with the local police authorities in the investigation of this case. "The FBI is investigating to determine if the shooting of Kuchibhotla, was a bias-motivated hate crime in violation of the victims' civil rights," stated Eric Jackson, special agent in charge of the FBI's Kansas City office reporters, at a news conference.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the friends of the victim to help raise funds for sending his remains back to India.
The fund raising page says, "Srini was the kindest person you would meet, full of love, care and compassion for everyone. He never uttered a word of hatred, a simple gossip, or a careless comment. He was brilliant, well mannered and simply an outstanding human being. His wife Sunayana and his family are now faced with incredible grief and a multitude of expenses."
Jay Kansara, director of Government Relations at Hindu American Foundation said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kuchibhotla. We are also praying for a speedy recovery for the injured. We call upon the US Department of Justice and local law enforcement to investigate this murder as what it is, a hate crime. Anything less will be an injustice to the victims and their families."