New York: US lawmakers and community leaders slammed the vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple in Melville, New York, calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Lawmaker Tom Suozzi said the vandals and criminals behind the hate crime should be held accountable.
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna expressed strong disapproval of the defacement of the temple, which was vandalized with hateful messages. "I strongly condemn this act of desecration of a Hindu temple in Melville, NY. Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment, or violence," Khanna said
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called the vandalism "despicable" and urged Americans to stand united against hate. "As our country faces a surge in political violence and acts of bigotry, we must stand together as Americans against all forms of hate," he stated.
The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, labeling it “unacceptable". India's Consulate General in New York has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities and urged them to take prompt action against the perpetrators of this act.
The Hindu American Foundation also urged the US Justice Department to investigate the attack on the BAPS Hindu Temple in New York. Earlier in July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalized in Canada's Edmonton. Canadian MP Chandra Arya voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fuelled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities.
Suffolk County Police Hates Crimes Unit detectives were investigating the criminal mischief incident as a hate crime. Calling it yet another act of “hate” and “intolerance”, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in a statement said, “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu Mandirs across North America.”
“We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace amongst all communities. Peace, respect, and harmony for all regardless of background or faith are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States,” it added. Further, the community members along with some of the US lawmakers gathered at the site of the desecration to offer prayers for peace and unity and were supported by local, state, and federal leaders representing Long Island, including Rep Nick LaLota and Rep Suozzi.
