US lawmakers and authorities condemn vandalism at temple in New York

New York: Bipartisan lawmakers across the United States have strongly condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple and called for an investigation into the incident, stressing that America must stand united against all forms of hatred.

The road and signage outside the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, were spray-painted with profanities on Monday, according to footage shared online. The BAPS public relations department expressed deep sadness over the desecration of the temple in a post on X, calling it “an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus.”

“Today, local, state and federal leaders have gathered to promote peace, respect and unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion and solidarity,” it said.

Melville is located in Suffolk County on Long Island, about 18 miles from the 16,000-seat Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a major community event on September 22.

US lawmakers from all parties strongly condemned the vandalism and demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable.

Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois said he was “appalled by the despicable acts” of vandalism at the temple. “As our country faces a rise in political violence and acts of bigotry, we as Americans must stand together against all forms of hatred,” he said.

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna also strongly condemned the desecration. “Religious freedom is a cornerstone of our democracy. There is no place for intimidation, harassment or violence. We must ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and that this does not happen again,” he said.

US Congressman for Michigan Shri Thanedar described the vandalism as “totally” unacceptable and “strongly condemned the heinous acts of vandalism” directed against the temple.

“Such acts of vandalism, bigotry and hatred must be fully investigated. The BAPS community deserves answers and justice,” Thanedar said.

Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi, who represents New York’s Third Congressional District, said in a post on X that he was appalled by the “heinous acts” of vandalism at the temple.

“There is too much hate! … Such acts of vandalism, bigotry and hate occur far too often due to inflammatory rhetoric from national leaders, extremism and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contrary to our nation’s core values,” he said.

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District also addressed X, saying that “attacks on houses of worship are attacks on our most fundamental values.” “This cannot and will not be tolerated,” he said.

“We stand firmly with our Hindu American community and condemn violence and hatred in all its forms, without exception. A full investigation must be conducted and justice must be served swiftly to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” Fitzpatrick added.

New York State Representative Jenifer Rajkumar condemned the vandalism of the temple, which she said is a “beacon of spirituality and inclusivity that is valued in the community.”

“I demand that this be investigated as a hate crime. Religious freedom is a fundamental American value that we must protect,” she said.

Ohio Senate Senator Niraj Antani condemned the attack on the temple in the “strongest possible terms”. “The perpetrators must be caught and punished to the full extent of the law. This is another heinous case of Hinduphobia in our country. We must stand together to fight this hatred.”

The temple held a prayer meeting the afternoon after the incident. Suozzi and Republican Congressman Nick LaLota were among the officials who visited the temple after the incident and spoke at the prayer meeting. Padma Kuppa, a former congresswoman from Michigan’s 41st congressional district, said, “Whether in Bangladesh or here in America, hatred against Hindus is on the rise. I know firsthand how destructive it is.”

Joshua McKoon, a former member of the Georgia State Senate, called the vandalism “completely egregious and unacceptable.” The Hindu American Foundation said in a post on X that the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security “must investigate” the attack on the temple “following recent threats against Hindu establishments as a large gathering of the Indian community is planned for this weekend in nearby Nassau County.”

“It is difficult to comprehend the utter cowardice of those who would attack a Hindu temple to vent their hatred for an elected leader. This attack, following recent threats against Hindu and Indian institutions, must be seen in the context of this threat scenario,” said Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, in a post on X.

The Indian Consulate General also strongly condemned the vandalism of the temple and said it was in touch with the community. It also said it had raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrators of this “heinous act”.

“The vandalism at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York is unacceptable,” the Indian consulate said in a post on Monday.