IHIT describes 2 men wearing face coverings in killing of gurdwara president

Investigators with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team say they are looking for two "heavier-set" male suspectsin the killing of Hardeep Singh NijjarSunday night.

Nijjar, 45, was shot multiple times while in a car in the busy parking lot of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Surrey, where he was president.

Sgt. Timothy Pierotti said the suspects were wearing face coverings and fled the scene on foot out the rear exit of the gurdwara, then southbound on 122nd Street and through Cougar Creek Parkto awaiting getaway car in the area of 121 Street and 68Avenue. He said it's unclear whether there was a third person driving the car.

Pierottisaid the suspects and vehicle were believed to be in the area for at least an hourprior to the homicide.

No suspects have been arrested, nor have investigators established a motive, he said.

IHIT continues to request help from the public in the form ofinformation and dashcamvideo from the parking lot and surrounding area around the time of the shooting.

"We believe that not only may the occupants of these vehicles have been witnesses to the homicide of Mr. Nijjar, but the vehicle itself may have recorded critical evidence that could help advance our investigation," says Sgt. Timothy Pierotti, adding that newer vehicles record dashcam footage even when the vehicle is turned off.

Police said earlier the targeted killing took place just before 8:30 p.m. PT, soon after evening prayers at the gurdwara had finished.

According to Pierotti, investigators are still looking into whether the crime is linked to a car found on fire in Coquitlam shortly after the killing.

Nijjar was a prominent leader in the Sikh community and an activist with the Sikh independence group Sikhs for Justice, whichadvocates for the establishment of an independent Sikh state of Khalistanin India.