Punjabi Truck Driver Allegedly Targeted in Racist Attack at Edmonton Walmart

A Punjabi truck driver from B.C. was allegedly assaulted in what is being described as a racially motivated attack at a Walmart store in Edmonton. The Edmonton Police Service’s Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.

The incident took place on August 6 at the Walmart on Tamarack Way in southeast Edmonton. Talwinder Singh Atwal says he had stopped at the store while working when a young man and a woman allegedly began making racist remarks toward him.

Atwal says he initially ignored the comments, but after being repeatedly harassed, he asked them why they were behaving that way. He alleges the young man then suddenly attacked him, while the woman who was with him also pushed him.

Atwal fell to the ground during the incident, causing his turban to come off. A video of the confrontation has also circulated on social media.

The alleged attackers left the store before police arrived.

Atwal has expressed frustration with the initial police response. He says an officer told him they would determine after the investigation whether charges would be laid.

Edmonton police have since clarified that the incident is being investigated as a potential hate-motivated crime by the Hate Crimes Unit.

The World Sikh Organization has also expressed support for Atwal and called on Edmonton police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.