Washington, DC, September 17:
The vandalism of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, with hate messages, has been denounced by multiple US senators, who have called for responsibility from the authorities. Concerns about the prevalence of hate crimes and violent episodes in the nation were also voiced by the lawmakers.
Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American congressman, denounced the "hideous act" and emphasized the need to investigate incidents of "vandalism, bigotry, and hate" thoroughly.
"I cannot tolerate this in any way. The horrific damage at Melville's BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is something I can't condone. There has to be a thorough investigation of acts of vandalism, racism, and hatred. According to his statement on X, the BAPS community is entitled to answers and justice. Ro Khanna, an Indian-American senator, condemned the incident and called for accountability, arguing that religious freedom is fundamental to democracies.
The destruction of a Hindu temple in Melville, New York, is an act that I despise. A cornerstone of our democratic system is the freedom to worship. Violent, harassing, or intimidating behavior has no place here. In order to prevent a recurrence, we must hold those responsible to account, Khanna said.
While expressing his outrage at the incident, fellow Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also voiced his concerns about the recent uptick in political violence and racism.
The heinous vandalism that struck Melville's BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir sickens me. Amid a rise in political violence and bigotry, the congressman emphasized the need for Americans to unite in the fight against hatred. Such acts of vandalism, intolerance, and hatred occur all too frequently, according to American Congressman Tom Suozzi, who blames extremism, a lack of accountability, and provocative rhetoric from national leaders.
"The amount of hate is excessive! The horrific damage that has targeted the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville is just sickening. Too often, acts of vandalism, intolerance, and hatred like these occur as a result of fanaticism, a lack of accountability, and provocative speech from national leaders. "These kinds of actions go against the very principles that make America great," Suozzi remarked.
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick voiced his disapproval of the blasphemy, calling the occurrences "attacks on our most fundamental values."
An assault on a house of worship is an assault on our core principles. Nobody will put up with this. As a Hindu-American community, we reject bigotry and violence in all its manifestations. Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that those involved are held accountable through the speedy administration of justice. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) has previously spoken out against the vandalism at the BAPS temple and claimed that similar occurrences had occurred at other North American Hindu temples.
Praying that the perpetrators of this murder may find redemption and overcome their enmity, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha stated in a statement. The Indian consulate general in New York City has also brought this up with US authorities, asking them to punish those responsible for the crime without delay.
"The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act," the Indian Consulate General in New York wrote in an article published on X.
Separately, the Hindu American Foundation demanded that the US Justice Department look into the New York BAPS Hindu Temple attack.
The article went on to say that a terrorist from Khalistani, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, had posted a video online that threatened Hindu and Indian institutions. Temples in Canada and California have also been the targets of vandalism, according to the report.
