Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has delivered a strong condemnation of the recent wave of targeted attacks and acts of vandalism against Hindu temples across the United States, warning that these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader rise in hate and division threatening faith communities nationwide.

Speaking on the House Floor at Capitol Hill, Subramanyam referred specifically to vandalism at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana and the ISKCON Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, describing such desecrations of sacred spaces as reflective of a disturbing national trend of religious intolerance.

He denounced the attacks firmly, stating that hate has no place in American communities, and urged lawmakers, law enforcement, and citizens to recognise that desecration of temples is part of the same surge in violence affecting all places of worship.

Emphasising that every American should have the right to practice their faith without fear, he called on the federal government to provide increased funding and greater security resources for religious institutions, while also advocating for a sustained commitment to counter the escalating climate of hatred.

Subramanyam’s remarks come against the backdrop of several serious incidents over the past year. Just last month, the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was vandalised—an act publicly decried by the socio-spiritual organisation’s Public Affairs division as an unmistakable “hate crime.” This was the fourth such attack against a Hindu temple in the US within the span of a year, a trend that has alarmed the Hindu community and civil society alike.

In a statement on X, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha reaffirmed its resolve against anti-religious bigotry, stressing that while the attack was designed to instil fear, it had only deepened the community’s solidarity. Similarly, the ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple in Utah, internationally known for hosting the largest Holi Festival celebration outside India, was subjected to a suspected hate crime in July when 20 to 30 bullets were fired at its premises on multiple nights.

The gunfire struck the main temple structure and surrounding property while devotees and visitors were inside, causing extensive damage to intricately hand-carved arches and resulting in losses amounting to thousands of dollars. Temple authorities noted the serious risk posed to the safety of worshippers present at the time, underscoring the urgency of addressing such targeted violence.

The spate of attacks highlights the growing vulnerabilities faced by minority religious communities in the US and has sparked renewed debate about how best to combat hate crimes in an increasingly polarised environment. Hindu communities and interfaith advocates have emphasised that such acts not only undermine religious freedom but also erode the pluralistic and inclusive ethos the country stands for.

Subramanyam have therefore urged for a comprehensive, nationwide response—one that goes beyond condemnation and seeks to implement structural protections through policy, security infrastructure, and civic education.

Echoing that sentiment, Subramanyam stressed that the United States must remain steadfast in defending its fundamental commitment to religious liberty and uphold the principle that all places of worship, regardless of tradition, remain safe havens free from the scourge of hate and violence.

Based On A PTI Report