The fatal shooting of Pradeepkumar Ratilal Patel (56) and his 24-year-old daughter inside their store in Accomack County, Virginia, has left the Indian community in the United States devastated. The father and daughter were attacked by a gunman, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit Gujarati community.
The suspect, identified as George Frazier Devon Wharton, was swiftly arrested by police, but the motive behind the brutal attack remains unclear. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.
"My cousin’s wife and her father were working at the store when a man suddenly entered and opened fire," said store owner Patesh Patel, who is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. "I don’t know what to do. The father and daughter were like family to us."
This attack is part of a broader concern as violent incidents targeting Indian immigrants rise in the U.S. Just seven months ago, another tragic shooting claimed the life of Vadodara native Mainank Patel in a random act of violence in Celebrity, USA.
Patel, who had been living in the U.S. for 18 years, was killed while working as a gas station manager. His wife had tried to save him, but the attack proved fatal.
Pradeepkumar, originally from Kanoda village in Mehsana, Gujarat, was killed instantly when the assailant stormed into the shop and opened fire. His daughter died from her injuries while receiving medical treatment.