Victim of possible hate-crime shooting forgives shooter

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The victim of a suspected hate-crime is recovering from serious injuries. He met with Channel 9's Blaine Tolison Thursday night.

Kanwaljit Singh was shot while driving two weeks ago, and returned home from the hospital Thursday evening.    

For the first time Singh's close family friends described his ordeal. He is in such great pain that he can barely speak. He was shot in what police believe was a hate crime.

"He doesn't have any anger towards the person that shot him. He's just shocked why he chose him," said Harvinder Chadda, a family friend.

Singh, 46, covers his uncut hair, in accordance with his Sikh faith.

Police said Singh and his 13-year-old son were driving home from work over the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange when he was shot when someone pulled up beside their car and shot him.

"Sikhs have been victims of mistaken identity ever since 9/11, but we never thought something like this could happen in Port Orange," said Chadda.

Singh suffered wounds to his thigh and abdomen. His family says he would not be here if it wasn't for his faith in God, and his son who called 911.
 
"He could have bled to death if he could have not received the proper help in time," said family friend Kirpal Singh.

Kanwaljit Singh didn't get a look at the person behind the wheel. Police say the only image from that night is video of a black truck, believed to be a Chevy, with an aftermarket bumper.

Singh's friends and family said they have faith that police will find answers.

Meanwhile, they said they are finding peace from community support, letters from churches of all faiths, and in forgiveness.

"He has nothing against the gentleman. He has forgiven him in his heart and we believe in that. We don't believe in revenge and we pray for [the shooter] as much as we pray for [Singh's] health," said Chadda.

Family members said it will take Singh several months to recover from his wounds.

If you have any information about this crime call Port Orange police.

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