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9 Disturbing Temple Attacks In The United States: A Timeline Of Vandalism And Hate

September 27, 2024
The Commune

Over the past several years, Hindu temples across the United States have faced a disturbing trend of vandalism and hate crimes. Below is a timeline of nine major incidents, reflecting a growing concern over Hinduphobia and religious intolerance.

1. Swami Narayan Temple, Sacramento, California

A Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was vandalized for the second time in 10 days, on 26 September 2024, with anti-Hindu slogans like “Hindus go back” spray-painted on its walls.

The incident mirrors a similar attack on a Swaminarayan temple in New York on September 16, where anti-India slogans were written, and suspicion of Khalistani involvement arose. In Sacramento, the temple’s pipeline was also damaged. Local officials, including California Assembly member Stephen Nguyen, visited the temple after the attack. The Indian Consulate in New York and U.S. leaders condemned these hate crimes, calling them cowardly and deeply concerning for religious freedom in America.

2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, New York   

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was vandalized by extremists on the night of September 16, 2024. The temple was defaced with offensive slogans, including “Fuck Modi,” “Modi is Terrorist,” and “Hindustan Murdabad,” with a derogatory gap in the word “Hindustan” implying insult to Hindus.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha condemned the act and prayed for the perpetrators to overcome their hatred. Local authorities were informed, and the Indian Consulate in New York also condemned the vandalism, urging U.S. law enforcement to take swift action against those responsible for the hate crime.

3. Vijay’s Sherawali Temple, Hayward, California

The Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California, was vandalized with pro-Khalistani slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Modi is terrorist.” The incident, which occurred in late December 2023, was confirmed by the temple administration on January 2, 2024. Police have classified it as a hate crime. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) noted that this attack followed similar defacement of the Swaminarayan Mandir and a theft at the Shiv Durga temple in the same area. HAF is working closely with temple leaders, the Alameda Police Department, and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to investigate the crime.

4. SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Newark, California

On January 2, 2024, the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California, was vandalized with anti-India graffiti, allegedly by pro-Khalistan activists. The graffiti was discovered by a nearby devotee, who promptly reported it to local authorities. Temple spokesperson Bhargav Raval expressed shock at the display of anti-Indian sentiments on the temple walls. The Newark Police Service has initiated a targeted investigation, with Police Captain Jonathan Arguello stating that they will review surveillance footage from nearby residences to piece together the events leading to the vandalism.

5. Shri Omkarnath Temple, Brazos Valley, Texas

On January 5, 2024, the Shri Omkarnath Temple in Brazos Valley, Texas, was burglarized, shocking the local Indian community. Burglars broke in through a side window, stealing the temple’s donation box and a safe containing valuables. Board member Srinivasa Sunkari described the incident as an invasion of privacy and reported that the priest and his family, who live nearby, are safe. Security footage captured the suspect bypassing the shrine to access the donation box. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the burglary, while temple officials are taking extra precautions for safety and security.

6. Shree Umiya Dham, New Jersey

On October 30, 2022, the Shree Umiya Dham Hindu Temple in Edison, New Jersey, was vandalized with “Free Palestine” graffiti. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) condemned the act, linking it to a Hinduphobic narrative promoted by certain academics who portray Hindus as “colonizers.” CoHNA noted that the temple had previously joined over 50 organizations in opposing a Hinduphobic resolution by the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee. This incident has heightened concerns within the Hindu community in New Jersey, prompting calls for swift justice against the perpetrators.

7. Swaminarayan Temple, Louisville, Kentucky

Between Sunday night (October 29) and Tuesday morning (October 31), the Swaminarayan Temple in Louisville, Kentucky, was vandalized in a hate crime. Miscreants sprayed black paint on the deity, broke windows, and left inappropriate messages and graffiti on the walls. A knife was found stabbed in a chair, and cabinets were emptied. The police are investigating, but there are currently no suspects. Local officials, including Mayor Greg Fischer and Kentucky State Representative Nima Kulkarni, condemned the act, emphasizing its impact on the Indian American community and the need for compassion and respect among all religions.

8. The VHP Temple, North Carolina

In North Carolina, a sign for a planned Hindu temple was shot at, resulting in over 60 holes, between noon on 4 July 2015 and 1 PM on 8 July 2015. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reported that empty shell casings consistent with birdshot were found nearby, indicating a shotgun was used. The vandalism, which caused approximately $200 in damage, is being investigated as vandalism, and no suspects have been identified. The Om Hindu Organization of North Carolina, which plans to build the temple, expressed disappointment but remains committed to their project despite the incident.

9. North Texas Hindu Mandir, Dallas, Texas

In a disturbing incident, the North Texas Hindu Mandir in Lake Highlands, Dallas, was vandalized, with symbols of devil worship and the tag of the Mara Salvatrucha gang painted on its door and nearby structures. The attack occurred on a Monday, shocking both the Hindu community and local residents, some of whom offered assistance in cleaning the damage. Krishna Singh, a temple board member, expressed deep sadness over the vandalism. The Dallas police gang unit is investigating the case. Universal Society of Hinduism president Rajan Zed called for better education about Hinduism to counter such attacks.

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