Usha Reddy, Indian American Mayor of a town called Manhattan in Kansas expressed anxiety over the shooting of two Indian engineers in Olathe, Kansas and has termed the act as an isolated incident. It doesn’t reflect the values of Kansas or the United States, she said.
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The Indian American Reddy, has migrated to the United States when she was eight. She said that she too had received a number of calls from her family members across the country and even from family, who live in a small village in India, making sure that she was safe.
“I needed to let them know that everything was okay,” said Reddy. “At the same time I was kind of concerned about my own children even though they grew up in Manhattan, Kansas.”
“There is a little anxiety because you realize this can happen, it can happen to you,” said Reddy, but tried to allay fears by saying: “America is a wonderful country,” said Reddy.
“Being an immigrant and being elected to an office and now being mayor that speaks volumes to the citizens of the United States and particularly Manhattan Kansas. You don’t see that happening everywhere else.”
“As fearful or anxiety ridden as we may be it’s still a great place to live,” said Reddy. “It’s still one of the best places to be, I still feel comfortable walking down the street everyday.”
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She released a statement to the people of Manhattan, Kansas:
Dear Manhattan Family,
Much has happened in the past few days. The devastating and horrific shootings in Olathe have given us reason to pause and reflect.
Manhattan is a diverse, welcoming and safe community; however, our sense of security is shaken by such acts of violence. Manhattan is a wonderful city with extraordinary people that work hard to make it a great place to live.
I promise to do whatever I can to relieve anxiety, discomfort or pain that our friends and family are experiencing. Please reach out to one another for emotional and mental support. We must strive to be free of hatred and embrace our blessings.
You are in good hands in Manhattan. We are an extended family.
In the shooting at Austins Bar and Grill in Olathe, Srinivas Kuchibhotla died, and his colleague and friend Alok Reddy Madasani was injured. An American Ian Grillot received gunshot injuries too. The accused Adam Purinton is in custody.
By Premji
