Sikh Truck Driver Stabbed 17 Times at Wyoming Rest Stop; Advocates Call For Bias Probe

A Sikh long-haul truck driver, identified only as Singh by his attorney, was allegedly stabbed 17 times during an unprovoked attack at a rest area along I‑80 in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, early Sunday morning, local officials said. Singh suffered multiple wounds, including two to the neck and two to the chest, and was airlifted to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, where he is currently recovering.

What Happened

According to the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office and an arrest warrant, the suspect, later identified as 44-year-old Andrew Bzdak, followed Singh into the men's restroom and allegedly attacked him from behind with a knife. Video footage captured Singh leaving the restroom and later lying in the rest area parking lot. 911 records show Singh reported he had been stabbed several times; responding officers observed large amounts of blood inside the restroom, in the lobby, outside the building and near a parked semi-truck.

The man's injuries are seen here in a hospital photo after he was stabbed 17 times. - Jasjit Singh

Arrest, Charges and Background

After the attack, Bzdak allegedly fled in his own truck but was detained by the Carbon County Sheriff's Office following a tip from a family who heard Singh's screams and followed the suspect eastbound on I‑80. Bzdak is charged with one count of attempting to commit first-degree murder and is being held on $1 million bond at the Sweetwater County Detention Center. Court records show a preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 24. Public records also list prior convictions in California, including assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence and vandalism.

Community Response and Questions About Motive

Authorities have not publicly determined a motive, and it remains unclear whether the attack is being investigated as a hate crime. The victim's lawyer has urged a full investigation into “any potential hate‑crime or civil‑rights dimension of this attack.” Jasjit Singh, director of legal services at the Jakara Movement, which represents the victim, said the assault has heightened fears among South Asian and Punjabi Sikh truck drivers about being targeted for their appearance.

A Sikh man is recovering in the hospital after an unprovoked stabbing at a Wyoming rest stop - Jakara Movement

Rhetoric and Wider Concerns

Advocates have pointed to a recently deleted Department of Homeland Security social media post that used an AI-generated image of a South Asian man with the phrase “Get off our roads, you don't know how to drive Mr. Singh” as contributing to a hostile environment toward South Asian drivers. The North American Punjabi Trucking Association called the post “disgraceful, disrespectful, and deeply troubling,” saying it risks turning legitimate safety concerns into stereotypes against Punjabi, Sikh, South Asian and immigrant truck drivers.

DHS Statement: A DHS spokesperson told CNN that attempts to blame the agency for the attack are “RECKLESS and FALSE” and that the department would not speculate about motives.

Calls For Accountability

The North American Punjabi Trucking Association urged a full investigation and said that if evidence shows racial or religious motivation, authorities should pursue all applicable hate-crime charges. Lawmakers also weighed in: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D‑IL) described the stabbing as occurring amid rising hostility toward Sikh and South Asian Americans and called for those who commit violence to be held accountable.

Ongoing Developments: Authorities continue to investigate. CNN and local reporters have reached out to the Sweetwater County Attorney's Office and the state public defender who represents Bzdak. The Jakara Movement is providing legal support for the victim as he recovers.