SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — The mayor of Manhattan, Ks. said the Olathe triple-shooting that left Srinivas Kuchibhotla dead and two others injured does not reflect the values of Kansas residents, or Americans.
Usha Reddi immigrated to the U.S. from India when she was eight, and said she received a multitude of phone calls from across the globe after the Kuchibhotla incident, mostly to make sure she was safe. “I needed to let them know that everything was okay,” Reddi was quoted as saying by local media outlets. She called the shooting an isolated incident, but said it raised the anxiety levels among immigrants, Indian-Americans in particular.
“There is a little anxiety because you realize this can happen, it can happen to you,” she said.
Regardless, Reddi said Adam Purinton’s alleged actions do not represent the morals of the people of Kansas, or the United States. “America is a wonderful country,” she said. “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.”
Reddi said she’s planning to continue to lead by example, and hopes immigrant visitors will feel welcome in Manhattan and all throughout Kansas. “As fearful or anxiety ridden as we may be it’s still a great place to live,” she said. “It’s still one of the best places to be, I still feel comfortable walking down the street everyday.”
Have a look at the letter she sent to Manhattan residents below:
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.
