Raja Condemns Attacks On Temples Following California Burglary

SANTA CLARA, CA – US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has condemned a break-in and vandalism at the Hindu temple here, and has called for strict action against the perpetrators.

The congressman visited the Bay Area Shiv Durga Temple on August 30, and expressed “solidarity with the broader Hindu American community.”

In a statement, Krishnamoorthi said he condemned the act “in the strongest terms possible” and demanded that the perpetrators “be brought to justice immediately.” He also offered his support to the temple so it could “get back on its feet.”

On August 28, burglars targeted the temple, stealing a donation box and other religious ornaments. This was the second such incident at the temple, following a similar burglary in January 2024.

The Democratic House member from Illinois highlighted the rise in attacks on Hindu temples across the United States, calling them “abhorrent acts of violence.”

In August, a temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was defaced with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti. In June, a shooting occurred at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. In March, a temple in Chino Hills, Southern California, was vandalized with similar anti-India messages.

Krishnamoorthi vowed to continue to speak out against such attacks, promising that “in America, everyone should be able to pray in peace and safety — and I will continue to speak out, show up, and offer my support to preserve this sacred ideal.” (IANS)