A 38-year-old California woman was fatally shot outside a Panera Bread in Sacramento on Tuesday after being chased and shot multiple times by Rohit Rohit, 22, an illegal immigrant from India. Authorities confirmed Rohit took his own life during a standoff with law enforcement following the shooting.
Shalini Thakur was standing near her car when Rohit approached her, chased her when she attempted to flee, and shot her in the head before driving away, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Police located Rohit shortly after and reported he died by suicide during the confrontation.
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper described the incident as "horrific," stating he reviewed surveillance footage showing the victim being chased and shot. "This young lady was chased down and gunned down, and then he stands over her and executes her," Cooper said. A witness captured photographs of Rohit’s vehicle and called 911, aiding law enforcement.
Stalking and Restraining Order
Rohit had stalked Thakur since at least January, including placing an Apple AirTag on her car to track her movements. He allegedly deflated her tires, followed her to work under the pretense of offering help, and obtained a copy of her apartment key to enter her home while she slept. Thakur obtained a restraining order against Rohit in May, but he continued stalking her through July.
Authorities said Rohit had known Thakur for several years through work, despite working for different employers. He also allegedly attempted to coerce her into marriage and threatened to harm himself or others she met. The DHS confirmed Rohit entered the U.S. illegally through Arizona and was released by the Biden administration prior to the incident.
Law Enforcement Response
Sacramento deputies pursued Rohit after the shooting but reported he died by suicide during the standoff. Lt. Amar Gandhi of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office noted a pattern of behavior in similar cases, stating, "We’ve seen this pattern of behavior. We’ve seen kind of where it leads sometimes."
The DHS did not immediately provide additional details on the circumstances of Rohit’s release or the policies involved. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements.
Policy and Political Reactions
A DHS spokesperson stated, "This tragedy would have been completely avoided if it weren’t for the Biden administration releasing this killer into our country." The comment reflects ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and the handling of individuals with criminal histories or restraining orders.
Critics of current immigration policies have highlighted the case as evidence of systemic failures, while advocates for immigration reform argue that such incidents are isolated and do not reflect broader policy impacts. The DHS has not publicly addressed specific enforcement decisions in this case.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about Thakur’s identity or the ongoing investigation. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office is expected to release additional information pending autopsy results.