Top pick: US: One arrested for assaulting 70-year-old Sikh man in Los Angeles
Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 12 Aug 2025
Sikh community members protest demanding justicce for Harpal Singh. Photo: United Sikhs/X
A 70-year-old SIkh man was brutally assaulted by an unknown man in the North Hollywood region of the US, leading to the arrest of a person.
The attacker targeted Harpal Singh with a golf club when he was walking near the gurudwara in the Lankershim Boulevard area of Los Angeles.
On August 11, UNITED SIKHS joined the Sangat in Los Angeles to demand justice for Harpal Singh.
— UNITED SIKHS (@unitedsikhs) August 12, 2025
The rally, organized by The Sikh Coalition, condemned the brutal attack on the 70-year-old, who is now fighting for his life after undergoing multiple surgeries.
Community elders,… pic.twitter.com/BjSc0EOKO9
Los Angeles police identified the suspect as Bo Richard Vitagliano, 44, reported ABC7.
He was being held on $1.115 million bail, according to jail records quoted by the news channel.
Police said he was arrested when officers spotted him riding his bicycle on Lankershim Boulevard and Arminta Street.
Police said the footage of the person captured on the surveillance camera helped with his arrest.
? NEWS UPDATE: A suspect in the brutal assault of Mr. Harpal Singh in North Hollywood has been arrested.#SALDEF thanks @LAPDHQ & the community for swift action. We will continue to provide updates and advocate for a transparent process.
— SALDEF (@SALDEF) August 12, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/jF1cOJl88b
The Sikh American civil rights group SALDEF said Singh remained in the ICU after multiple surgeries to his head and face.
“At this moment, our hearts are with Mr. Singh and his loved ones,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF.
“We do not yet know whether this was a hate-motivated attack, but we do know that no one should fear for their safety in their community. Guided by Sikh values of nyay (justice), seva (selfless care), and Sarbat da Bhalla (the welfare of all), our focus must be on care, safety, and ensuring a full and thorough investigation," Gill said.