Clemency Petition For Illegal Trucker In Fatal Crash Tops 2.5 Million Signatures
Photos: St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
India-West News Desk
MIAMI, FL – A petition urging leniency for Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old truck driver accused of causing a crash that killed three people in Florida, has collected more than 2.5 million signatures as of August 24, on Change.org.
The petition, addressed to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency, calls for a review of Singh’s case and argues that the charges do not reflect the circumstances of the accident. It requests that any sentence imposed allow for parole eligibility and consider alternatives such as counseling or community service.
Authorities say Singh was driving a tractor-trailer on the Florida Turnpike in Fort Pierce on August 12 when he attempted a U-turn in an unauthorized area. The truck jackknifed and collided with a minivan, killing three passengers.
Singh and his brother, Harneet Singh, fled the state the following day. He was arrested in Stockton, California, on August 16 and extradited to Florida.
On August 23, St. Lucie County Judge Lauren Sweet denied him bond, citing his immigration status and risk of flight. The judge found probable cause for three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter, all classified as forcible felonies under Florida law. Each vehicular homicide charge carries a potential 15-year sentence.
Fox News pointed out that Singh entered the United States illegally in 2018 and was released on bond while his immigration case remained pending. Following the crash, the Department of Homeland Security described him as a “significant threat to public safety.”
The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly from members of the Punjabi community in India and abroad, who have voiced support for Singh. The petition was posted by a group identifying itself as “Collective Punjabi youth.”
In the wake of the crash, U.S. officials also announced new restrictions on foreign commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the suspension of visas was intended to protect American workers and public safety.
TruthBeTold
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His recklessness too the lives of innocent people. He and his brother flee from law enforcement and now the Punjabi community are asking for leniency ?
August 25, 2025Wow !!!… The audacity of ANYONE requesting that he be given leniency. How about checking with the families who lost their loved ones if he deserves leniency… Unbelievable !!!
Veer
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Wonderful – “community service” What a joke – he killed 3 people and now he should be let go – we like the law for others not us !!!
August 25, 2025Ann Johnson
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Put that khalistsni murderer in jail for life . Do not deport him to India . India don’t need rubbish trash ..Put that company owner of trucking company in jail for hiring trash. I’m sure he is also a Sikh ..Check all his trucking drivers if they are legal USA citizens . He could have many illegal drivers
August 25, 2025Ram Sanatani
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This guy’s actions may be actually worsening the declining relations between Trump admin and India. Not to mention bringing potential hatred towards all Indians living in the U.S. who have worked very hard with honesty and following all rules/laws to make a bright future for themselves.
August 25, 2025Yogi
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Gosh, the audacity of the punjabis to seek clemency for this killer is astounding. Three innocent lives were lost because this killer was an illegal who obtained his driver licence through dubious means and tried to make a U turn On A FREEWAY. He should get the death penalty, no less.
August 25, 2025Ram Sanatani
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There have been many violent attacks on Sikh men (some on elderly) after 911. They might (hopefully not) increase as well after this incidence. Punjabi community behind this petition should better look into the faulty business practices their trucking companies are engaged with.
August 25, 2025Pemba
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Those who signed the petition for this Driver should all be deported. Just because of his stupidity, now all the illegals will lose their driving licenses in the USA, some may even get deported. It true one rotten apple ruins the bag full of apple.
August 25, 2025watch out!
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we don’t expect any mercy for killing 3 Lives! He should think before made a wrong U TURN.
August 25, 2025ANUPAM PATEL
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They claim that over 2.5 million signed for “clemency”! Let’s see those stupid people’s names and signatures.
August 25, 2025Daljit Singh
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Most auto road accidents are due to human error. There are several other causes, including poorly engineered highways, trees and shrubs covering caution signs, poor lighting of intersections, and other environmental causes for such accidents. Auto accidents do happen every day of the week. This was not the first accident caused by an individual. Harjinder Singh, the driver, is accused of causing the accident and making a wrongful turn. The important point is that he must be given the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution under its 14th Amendment. More important is his constitutional right to freedom under the First Amendment, no person shall be denied the right to practice their religion and their right to keep all articles of their faith. The State authorities in Florida have clearly denied him his constitutional freedoms for the sake of political expediency. The State of Florida is not in any better position under the law than the accused driver, Harjinder Singh.
August 26, 2025