When a racist coward and idiot decided to kill 32-year-old Srinivas Kuchibhotla and shoot two other men at a crowded bar and grill in Kansas City last month, he did not expect bystander Ian Grillot to try to chase him down. But Grillot stood up to the shooter and was shot twice for his heroism. Last night he was honored at the India House and surprised with a $100,000 check.
The India House, which hosted the gala, and three donors teamed to give Grillot the money, to be used toward buying a house.
The gala’s three guest speakers included Navtej Sarna, the Indian Ambassador to the United States. But organizers also asked Grillot, whom they had invited as the special guest of honor, to say a few words. He attended the event with his family.
“It was a very impressive evening,” said his mother, Debra Grillot. “A lot of dignitaries were there from within the Indian community.”
The check was given to Grillot with the hope that it will help him build a home in his home state.
Speaking at the event, Grillot said: “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. I do now have a very powerful message and if I can help empower people and spread hope and love, then why not?”
He added: “I am honored to be at India House that serves so many families from so many communities in the Houston area,” The American Bazaar quoted Grillot as saying.
Ian Grillot is an impressive man and you can watch his whole hospital press conference below if you would like. He begins talking around the 3:30 mark.