LOS ANGELES – A Sikh man was shot and killed by Los Angeles police on July 13 after brandishing a large blade and performing martial art moves in a busy Downtown L.A. intersection near Crypto.com Arena.
Police identified the man as Gurpreet Singh, 35, who was seen swinging a weapon described as a machete or traditional Sikh sword. Body-camera footage shows Singh ignoring repeated orders to drop the weapon, throwing a bottle at officers, and later fleeing in a car before colliding with a police vehicle.
Officers say Singh exited the car and charged at them while armed, prompting two officers to open fire. He was transported to hospital, where he died. No officers or bystanders were injured.
The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is reviewing the shooting, while the release of footage has sparked debate on use of force, cultural awareness, and police response to mental health crises.