Indian engineer Srinivas Kochibotala lost his life as a result of the hate crime.
Time Magazine has announced Ian Grillot, the American who tired saving the life of Kansas hate crime victim Srinivas Kuchibhotla, as one of the ‘5 Heroes Who Gave Us Hope in 2017.’
The list has showcased some ordinary people who made extraordinary decisions to save the lives of others, even by putting their own lives in danger.
Grillot sustained bullet injuries from Adam Purinton, a 52-year-old Navy veteran, while trying to protect two Indian American software engineers at a bar in Olathe, Kansas, in February.
Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla lost his life in the incident that the authorities confirmed was an act of hate crime.
“I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I didn’t do anything,” Grillot said to Time on Thursday.
Grillot has been titled as ‘The bargoer who stepped into the line of fire’ in the list that includes a handful of heroes who selflessly tried to protect lives of others.
Before firing at the two Indian engineers, the gunman shouted “get out of my country,” which Grillot still recalls. “I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I didn’t do anything,” Grillot, 25, told Times.
When Grillot saw the man approaching with a gun, like all other customers in the bar he took cover, but soon acted according to his instinct and tried taking control of the gunman from behind. But in his attempt, a bullet pierced his hand and entered his chest.
The state of Kansas had recognized March 16 as ‘Indian American Appreciation Day’ to honor Srinivas Kuchibhotla.
During the annual gala of Indian House Houston, Ian Grillot was hailed a hero and even raised funds to help him build his first home.
Adam Purinton was arraigned in Johnson County last month and is facing first-degree murder for killing 32-year-old Kuchibhotla. Purinton is also facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder for causing bullet injuries to two other men. He is also indicted for attempted murder of another Indian American Alok Madasani.
The other four heroes who gave hope to the US in 2017 include chef José Andrés who cooked food for the victims of Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico, Houston neighbours who came to help a woman with a baby during the category 4 hurricane Harvey, a California dog who refused to leave behind livestock as wildfires raged and a dad who saved lives of 20 strangers during Las Vegas massacre in October.