![Austins Bar & Grill became the center of national attention as it witnessed the shooting of two Indian men who were presumed to be Iranians by the assailant. [Source: Kansascity.com; Shane Keyser]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/3-21-olathe-A.jpg)
[Source: Kansascity.com; Shane Keyser]
America has long grappled with problems arising from the debate regarding gun ownership as many have used either semi-automatic rifles or pistols to carry out brutal and truly despicable attacks on the American population. America once again faces a problem that has resurrected itself and has possibly exacerbated racial divisions through the 2016 elections: crimes inspired by racial prejudice.
According to CNN, on Wednesday February 22, 2017, 51-year-old Adam Purinton opened fire at two Indian men, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani. This fatal shooting occurred at Austin’s Bar and Grill in Olathe, Kansas and resulted in the death of Kuchibhotla. A bystander, Ian Grillot was also shot in the crossfires trying to intervene and stop the violence.
As many would initially say, “Shootings happen everyday. What makes this incident significant?” The significance of this shooting is that the assailant mistook these American Indians as Iranian, leading the assailant to commit such an act of violence. The man’s hate for those whom he perceived as being of Middle Eastern descent no doubt shows the changing political and social atmosphere of the United States.
![From left: Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who died; Alok Madasani, who was injured; and Ian Grillot, also injured [Source: www.bbc.com]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/3-21-olathe-B.jpg)
[Source: www.bbc.com]
As a result of this shooting and countless other hate crimes, it is now important to ask the question of “why.” Why is there a resurgence of hate crimes against people of Middle Eastern origin? What has led American society to shift towards an attitude of hate and violence against Middle Eastern immigrants and those of Islamic faith?
All these questions are undoubtedly important in assessing America’s political and social climate and in finding the root behind such a rise in the brashness of some Americans to outright declare a symbolic war against Islam. However, the most important question that should remain during this post-election cycle is not regarding cause but rather action: “What are we going to do to combat the rise of violence in America, and with what are we going to fight against it?”
