An Indian-American organization in Houston has expressed its gratitude to a brave Kansas man, presenting him a $100,000 award after he tried to intervene in a shooting that killed one Indian man and wounded another in February.
Ian Grillot, 24, was shot in the chest and hand while trying to stop a gunman from opening fire at Austin’s Bar and Grill in Olathe, Kan., on Feb. 22.
“It is not every day that one meets a genuine hero — a person who risks his life for another, and takes a bullet for a complete stranger,” Jiten Agarwal, chair of India House Houston, said in a statement. “Ian Grillot is a man who reminds us of the promise of America and its greatness.”
India House Houston — a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the Indian culture and other resources to Houston — said it raised the money to help Grillot buy a home in his hometown of Kansas. Charlie Yalamanchil, a prominent Houstonian of Indian descent, proposed the home purchase, the organization said.
Grillot appeared as the guest of honor at India House’s annual gala on Saturday. He thanked the community for its kind gesture.
“I don’t know if I could’ve lived with myself if I wouldn’t have stopped or attempted to stop the shooter because that would’ve been completely devastating,” he said.
“I do now have a very powerful message, and if I can help empower people and spread hope and love, then why not? I am honored to be at India House that serves so many families from so many communities in the Houston area.”
The fatal shooting – which the FBI is investigating as a hate crime – killed engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla and injured Alok Madasani, both Indian and 32.
Adam Purinton, 51, is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder after witnesses had said he yelled “get out of my country” before the shooting began.
