Sikh Man Shot Dead In LA While Performing Gatka

A 36-year-old Sikh man named Gurpreet Singh was shot dead by police in Los Angles. Singh stopped his car on a busy street and began performing Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art, with a two-foot-long sword. Witnesses said he was moving erratically, swinging the weapon, and even appeared to harm himself, which led people to call 911.

Police officers arrived and repeatedly told him to drop the weapon, but he refused. Instead, he threw a bottle at them, tried to flee in his car, and during the chase hit vehicles and threatened bystanders with the blade. The incident ended when Singh got out of his vehicle and charged at officers while still holding the sword. Police then opened fire. He was taken to hospital but was declared dead.

The LAPD later released bodycam footage and confirmed an investigation is underway. While no officers or civilians were injured, the shooting has sparked debate about cultural sensitivity, use of force, and how police respond to people in distress.