Religion

Sikh Man Attacked In California While Campaigning For GOP Lawmaker

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A Sikh man in California claimed two men attacked him and said “go back to your country” while he campaigned for a GOP lawmaker.

Surjit Malhi said that he was posting signs in support of Republican Rep. Jeff Denham when two men allegedly threw sand in his eyes, hit his head repeatedly, screamed at him to “Go back to your country” and spray-painted hate symbols on his truck. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime and have yet to locate the two suspects.

“I’m American 100 percent, no doubt, so they say, go back to my country? This is my country,” Malhi told CBS13. “If you are a real American and you love America, you should not do that. That is not the American way.”

Malhi said the attack made him fear for his life.

“It’s very scary you know. They were going to shoot me,” Malhi said.

He claimed that though the men’s blows were violent and severe, he believes his turban shielded him from the full force of their fury by cushioning his head.

“My turban saved me,” Malhi said.

Malhi is a well-known figure in his community and has long been active in his support for the GOP and raised thousands of dollars for charitable organizations. He said that he will not let the attack stop him from remaining politically active and that he will continue his work of supporting Denham.