Indian-Americans collect funds for Ian Grillot, who tried to stop hate crime

Ian Grillot, 24, who took a bullet for an Indian, has been honoured as ‘A True American Hero’ by the Indian-American community in Houston, U.S., which also raised $1,00,000 to help him buy a house in his hometown, Kansas.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the shooting.

Mr. Grillot, who was injured when he tried to intervene in the shooting by a Navy veteran targeting Indians at a bar in Olathe, Kansas, last month, was honoured at the 14th annual gala of India House Houston here. “On behalf of the Indian-American community in Houston, India House recognised this selfless act beyond the call of duty and has extended the community’s gratitude to Ian Grillot by helping him to buy a house,” the India House Houston Facebook page said. It raised $1,00,000 as part of an initiative supported by the Consul-General in Houston, Dr. Anupam Ray.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Grillot said, “I don’t know if I could’ve lived with myself if I wouldn’t have stopped or attempted to stop the shooter because that would’ve been completely devastating.”

“I do now have a very powerful message and if I can help empower people and spread hope and love, then why not?” he said.

India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Navtej Sarna handed over the cheque to Mr. Grillot.