HAF Reacts: Olathe, Kansas Hate Crime Shooter Pleads Guilty In Federal Court

Washington, DC (May 22, 2018) — Adam Purinton, the Olathe, Kansas man already found guilty in state court of the murder and attempted murder of Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, has pleaded guilty to Federal hate crime and firearms charges.

In his plea Purinton confirmed that he shot Kuchibhotla and Madasani “because of their race, color, religion, and national origin.” The fact that he targeted Kuchibhotla and Madasani based on the mistaken assumption that they were Iranian rather than Indian, makes the incident all the more tragic.

Under the Federal plea deal, Purinton faces life imprisonment without possibility of parole, the sentence which both the prosecution and defense are seeking. This is the same sentence Purinton received under Kansas law. Purinton will be officially sentenced on July 2.

Jay Kansara, HAF Director of Government Relations, who led HAF community outreach efforts in the aftermath of the shooting, offered this statement:

“Putting one perpetrator of a hate crime behind bars may not eradicate the type of bigotry that led to the events of February 22, 2017. However, knowing that Adam Purinton will spend the rest of his life in prison does offer the reassurance that our court system can deliver justice in tragic cases such as this.”

ABOUT HAF

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a non-partisan advocacy organization for the Hindu American community. The Foundation educates the public about Hinduism, speaks out about issues affecting Hindus worldwide, and builds bridges with institutions and individuals whose work aligns with HAF’s objectives. HAF focuses on human and civil rights, public policy, media, academia, and interfaith relations. Through its advocacy efforts, HAF seeks to cultivate leaders and empower future generations of Hindu Americans.

The Hindu American Foundation is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradayas (Hindu religious traditions) regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, caste, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability.