Case Summary

In Utah, USA, a Hindu temple was deliberately attacked with gunfire by unknown miscreants in a series of gunfire attacks over multiple nights in June. According to the reports, a total of 20–30 bullets were fired at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork and its surrounding properties, while devotees and visitors were present inside. The bullets struck several parts of the temple, including one bullet entering the main worship area of the temple. Multiple shell casings were found just outside the temple's security fence. Surveillance footage revealed that a pickup truck was parked near the property during one of the incidents, although no suspects have been identified so far. This has led to not only financial loss to the temple but also made the Hindu community fear for their life. According to Vai Warden, president of the temple, the temple was shot at three different times in the month of June. She also stated that this attack was motivated by hate, and they are working towards finding the perpetrators. As of the date of writing this report, the temple has increased its security measures, while the police investigation was ongoing.

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Why it is Hate Crime ?

This case has been added to the tracker under the primary category of: - Attack on Hindu religious representations. Within it, the sub-category selected is: - Attack on temples. In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the Deity. The Deity in the Temple is consecrated, thereby, making it a real, breathing entity. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the temple premises itself are sacred to Hindus since Hindus hold the faith that the entire Temple space is an amalgamation of the divine energy of the deity. Given the central significance of Temples in Hindu Dharma, any attack against a Hindu Temple or its peripheral premises is an attack on the faith itself and is born out of animosity towards the faith, of which, the Temple is a central tenet. Any manner of attack against a Temple and/or its premises would therefore be considered a religiously motivated hate crime. This case has been added to the tracker because the temple was attacked with gunfire in a series of targeted incidents. The perpetrators came with the clear intention to damage the sanctity of the Hindu religious space and endanger those within it. Such acts of violence against Hindu temples are not just an attack on the temple property; it is an act of violence against the religious sentiments of the Hindu community that derives spiritual, cultural, and social meaning from that temple space. In Hindu Dharma, where the temple is not just a place of worship but the living abode of the deity, therefore, such attacks are acts of desecration against the divine itself. Furthermore, the psychological impact of such attacks is immense. Devotees who visit temples seek solace, peace, and a sense of connection with the divine. When these sacred temples are targeted and desecrated, it shatters the sense of security and belonging that the Hindu community derives from its religious institutions. The pain caused by the desecration of the temple idols is not limited to the physical damage; it is a wound to the collective psyche of the Hindu community. This is a deeply disrespectful act that reflects a lack of regard for Hindu religious beliefs and practices. In this case, although the miscreants were unknown, regardless, the action stemmed from animosity towards the Hindu religion and its followers; thus has been added to the tracker. Disclaimer: - Since the temple was targeted in a series of multiple attacks, the earliest date mentioned when the attack took place was June 18, 2025. Thus, the date of incident is selected as June 18, 2025, as the Hinduphobia tracker tracks crime based on when the crime was committed, not when it's reported in media outlets.