Indian-Americans raise 1,00,000 USD for Kansas survivor

Ian 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 as ‘A True American Hero’ at the 14th annual gala of India House Houston here. Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Madasani was critically injured in the shooting. 

“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,” said a statement posted on the India House Houston Facebook page.

India House raised $1,00,000 as part of an initiative supported by the Consul General of India in Houston, Dr Anupam Ray to help Ian buy a house in his hometown, it said. India House is a community centre built by Americans of Indian origin in the Greater Houston area. Speaking on the occasion, Ian 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 now have a very powerful message and if I can help empower people and spread hope and love, then why not? I am honoured to be at India House that serves so many families from so many communities in the Houston area,” he said.

India’s Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna handed over the cheque to Ian. “I was keen to come here today because I was told that Ian Grillot will be honoured. It was a great privilege to meet him and his parents. He is a young man who has shown exceptional courage,” Sarna said.