Dallas, Texas, USA: US Congressman Ro Khanna has condemned the brutal slaying of 50-year-old Indian immigrant Chandra Nagamallaiah, describing the incident as “deeply horrifying.”

He said on X (formerly Twitter): “The gruesome attack involving the beheading of a hardworking Indian American, carried out in front of his wife and child, is appalling. The offender, who was undocumented, already had multiple arrests linked to violent theft and child endangerment. He never should have been allowed to roam freely on American streets.”

The incident has triggered shock and anger within the Indian community across the United States.

CCTV Footage & Police Investigation

Surveillance cameras captured the chilling moments when the attacker chased Nagamallaiah through the Dallas motel before carrying out the fatal assault.

The Indian Consulate in Houston confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely and supporting the grieving family.

In a statement, the Consulate said: “We express our heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of Mr. Chandra Nagamallaiah, who was brutally taken away at his workplace in Dallas, Texas. We remain in contact with his family and are extending every possible assistance. The accused is currently in Dallas Police custody, and we are closely following the developments.”

According to WFAA, authorities arrested 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national who also worked at the same motel. He was taken into custody on Wednesday and is being held in Dallas County Jail on charges of capital offense.

Eyewitnesses told CBS that Cobos-Martinez pursued Nagamallaiah with a machete, struck him repeatedly, and then severely harmed him, leading to his death outside the Downtown Suites motel in East Dallas.

Dallas Police Executive Assistant Chief Terrence Rhodes stated, “Initial findings show the suspect attacked the victim multiple times with a sharp weapon.” Officials have so far refrained from disclosing more details.

Attacker’s Background

Reports say Cobos-Martinez lived and worked at the motel itself. Even after his arrest, he was found still carrying the weapon and covered in blood. During questioning, he admitted to the crime in a recorded statement.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed shocking details, saying: “Cobos-Martinez committed an unthinkable act and even kicked the victim’s remains around like a soccer ball.” ICE further explained that he had been previously released from the Bluebonnet Detention Center in January because there were no deportation flights to Cuba at that time.