Condemning the shooting that took place in Kansas City in which one Indian was killed and another injured by an American, the US government has said their legal authorities will bring the case to justice.
“We have reached out to Indian consular officials to offer full support as they assist the victims. We understand that the alleged shooter is in custody and is expected to be prosecuted for the crime. U.S. Federal authorities are also investigating the case. We have full faith that U.S. legal authorities will bring the case to justice,” US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires MaryKay Carlson said here on Friday.
The US Embassy here said it “strongly condemns” the shooting incident that took place in Olathe, Kansas City in which a 32-year old Indian – Srinivas Kuchibhotla – was gunned down by an American in a bar Wednesday night.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless act. Our deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families. The United States is a nation of immigrants and welcomes people from across the world to visit, work, study, and live. U.S. authorities will investigate thoroughly and prosecute the case, though we recognize that justice is small consolation to families in grief,” Carlson added.
An engineer by profession, Kuchibhotla had gone to the bar with his colleague another Indian Madasani Alok Reddy to watch a football game. While the former succumbed to the injuries, Reddy was able to survive the incident.
Apparently, the shooter - Adam Purinton - who is a 51-year old man hailing from Olathe was heard yelling racial slurs at Kuchibothla and Reddy. He thought they were from the Middle East.
“We will provide all help and assistance to the bereaved family… I have assured all help and assistance,” Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj wrote on Twitter.
This led to the Indian Embassy in US to spring into action. Consul RD Joshi and vice-consul Harpal Singh arrived in Kansas City from Houston and Dallas to meet the bereaved families and Indian community members.