U.S. lawmakers strongly condemn vandalism of Hindu temple in California

U.S. lawmakers condemn vandalism of Hindu temple in California, investigate as possible hate crime. Community rallies in support, perpetrators must be held accountable.

Several U.S. lawmakers, including three prominent Indian-American Congressmen, have strongly condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in California and asserted that those responsible for the act must be held accountable.

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Newark, California was vandalised with anti-India graffiti and the police are investigating the matter as a possible hate crime.

Congressman Ro Khanna, who represents California's 17th Congressional District located in Silicon Valley, said in a post on X that he strongly condemns the “defacing” of the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California which is in his district.

“Freedom to worship is at the heart of American democracy. Those who committed this act of vandalism must be held accountable,” Mr. Khanna said.

He said he is heartened that the community is coming together to stand up against hate and remove the graffiti. “This community action is answering wickedness with goodness,” he said.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi termed the defacing of the Swaminarayan temple as “despicable” and said he strongly condemns it.

Mr. Krishnamoorthi, the U.S. representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district, said he is glad the community is rallying in support of the mandir.