No arrests yet after Sikh man shot in Kent

Police haven’t made any arrests after a Sikh man was shot in a Kent driveway by a gunman who yelled, “go back to your own country.”

Sikh community leader Hira Singh told the Associated Press that the man is recovering from his wound at home. For KIRO 7 News at 5 p.m., Siemny Kim talked to the victim, who friends identify as 39-year-old Deep Rai Singh. Watch on-air or here.

Here’s what we know:
• Police in the city of Kent are investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
• Police Cmdr. Jarod Kasner said Monday that no arrests have been so far in Friday night’s shooting.
• The FBI has joined the investigation.
• The shooting has rattled members of the Sikh community.

What police say about the incident

According to authorities, around 8 p.m., an armed individual walked up to a man working on his car in a driveway at a house off 108th Avenue SE. The victim, who is a member of the Sikh community, was wearing a turban.

The Sikh man told police that the gunman said, “Go back to your own country.”

Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas said Sunday that the department is investigating the shooting as a hate crime. He said no arrests have been made yet, but that he did not believe anyone was in imminent danger.

“This is a top priority investigation, and we are doing everything possible to identify and arrest the suspect,” Thomas said in an email, adding that residents in the city of about 125,000 should “be vigilant,” but also not let the shooting hurt their quality of life.

The FBI’s Seattle office said in a statement Sunday that it is “committed to investigating crimes that are potentially hate-motivated,” the Seattle Times reported.

The FBI’s Seattle Field Office, in conjunction with the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, has opened a civil rights investigation. On Monday, KIRO 7 News learned that the FBI is working with the Kent Police Department to determine if there is a federal civil rights violation.

A number of Washington leaders have come out condemning the attack on social media, including Pramila Jayapal and Senator Maria Cantwell.

About the victim and family

Family describes Deep Rai Singh as a father and a small business owner.

Hira Singh – who ran for Kent City Council last year – said the family doing well and “getting back to normal” now that the victim is back home recovering. He said they’ve been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support and love.