SURREY: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal Khalistan supporter, a plumber by profession and president of Surrey’s famous Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, was shot to death on June 18, at 8:27 p.m, in the parking lot of the Gurdwara.
According to police, 45-year old Nijjar was found inside his vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was provided medical assistance until Emergency Health Services arrived on scene. Nijjer died of his injuries at the scene.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) learned through the collection of evidence and in speaking with witnesses, that two suspects, described as heavier set males, wearing face coverings, fled the scene on foot, southbound on 122 Street through Cougar Creek Park.
“It’s believed that the suspects may have had a vehicle waiting for them, in the area of 121 Street and 68 Avenue. It is believed the suspects and the vehicle may have been in that area in the hour proceeding the homicide,” Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
Investigators are now calling on the public to assist in identifying witnesses. IHIT is still working to identify and speak with individuals that were at the Gurdwara or in the area on the evening on June 18. Specifically, those who drive vehicles with onboard cameras. Vehicles such as Teslas have excellent cameras that are capable of recording movements in their surrounding area, even if the vehicle is turned off and no one is inside.
“We believe that not only may the occupants of these vehicles have been witnesses to the homicide of Mr. Nijjar, but the vehicle itself may have recorded critical evidence that could help advance our investigation,” says Sgt. Pierotti. “There have been rumors circulating indicating two men were arrested in relation to this murder. I can confirm that at this time, no arrests have been.”
As soon as the news of his shooting spread, people took to social media to share photos and videos of the crime scene. A video posted on Twitter about 90 minutes after the shooting showed a large crowd gathered outside the gurdwara, the scene illuminated by the flashing lights of police cars.
The crowd also blocked the road from between 74th and 72nd avenues on 120th St in Surrey and chanted whole night sitting on the road outside the Gurdwara.
The next day a large crowd gathered at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara new building to demand a thorough investigation of the case including foreign interference.
Apart from those close to Nijjar, people living in the neighbour where the shooting took place, are also looking for answers since they were highly concerned about their own safety. The Gurdwara is located in a busy neighbourhood that has a busy shopping mall, multiple housing complexes and an elementary school.
Police on the other hand have confirmed that it was a targeted shooting and there was no threat to public living in that area.
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards called Nijjar’s killing “brazen” and “appalling,” and said it was “disgusting” that the incident happened at a place of worship, with many other community members present during the attack.
Edwards said the only way for people to respond should be to come forward with evidence to help solve the case. “How we deal with fear is we come together,” he said during a news conference. “Everybody comes together and makes a statement and says, ‘We’re not going to take this.'”
“Everybody who’s a witness comes forward. Everybody who has dashcam video. Everybody who hears something comes together, and we bring it forward to advance the investigation.”
IHIT is asking anyone with information regarding the investigation, or anyone with dash-camera video who was in the area of 122 Street, in the parking lot of the Gurdwara or in the area of 121 Street and 68 Avenue, between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected].
Nijjar’s last showing will be on Sunday June 25th, outside Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Surrey between 11 am to 2 pm. Funeral will be held at Valley View Funeral Home (146-72) Surrey at 4:30 pm and Antim Ardas will be held around 5:30 pm back at Gurdwara Sahib.
Home Breaking News Brazen shooting death of Surrey Gurdwara president Hardeep Singh Nijjar sends shock...
