In a disturbing escalation of anti-religious violence, the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, was subjected to a shocking shooting attack. Around 20 to 30 bullets were reportedly fired at the temple premises over the course of several nights. This attack, suspected to be a hate-driven act, has not only damaged the structure but also rattled the local Hindu community and religious groups around the U.S.
Shots Echo Through Sacred Walls
The temple, an architectural centerpiece known widely for its celebration of Holi—the Festival of Colors—became the unexpected scene of a crime that many are calling both violent and targeted. While no loss of life was reported, the emotional toll on the devotees has been significant. People who had gathered peacefully inside the temple during the attack have been left shaken.
According to information provided by ISKCON, the bullets caused thousands of dollars in structural damage. Most notably, the hand-carved arches, which took years to complete, suffered visible harm. Some calls it symbolic—an attack on art, faith, and community identity, all at once.
Timeline of Events
- March 9, 2024 – A Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, part of the BAPS group, is desecrated just ahead of the ‘Khalistan referendum’ in Los Angeles.
- September 25, 2023 – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, CA, reportedly vandalized just weeks after a similar attack in New York.
- Late March – Early April 2024 – Shooting attacks on the ISKCON temple in Spanish Fork are believed to have occurred multiple nights in succession.
The repetition of these events over time—each aimed at Hindu temples—is unsettling. For some observers, the pattern suggests more than coincidence. There’s growing speculation about larger forces trying to ignite tension within the South Asian diaspora in the U.S.
Official Response
In one of the first formal responses, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco issued a public statement condemning the violence. Taking to the social media platform X, it said:
“We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
While the local police have yet to release a detailed report, there have been promises of increased security around temples and cultural centers in Utah and neighboring states.
Community Response
While shaken, the community is refusing to retreat. Devotees and volunteers gathered outside the damaged temple soon after the shooting, holding a peaceful vigil and carrying signs calling for love and tolerance. The message was consistent: we will not be intimidated.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), which has tracked multiple incidents of anti-Hindu hate in recent years, also weighed in. On X, they wrote:
“Another Hindu Temple vandalised, this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA… Not surprisingly, this happens as the day for a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close.”
It’s not just one group raising alarms. From ISKCON officials to leaders of BAPS and grassroots organizations, the call is the same. They want a formal investigation—not just into individual cases, but into whether there’s a network or emerging pattern behind these repeated acts of vandalism and violence.
Volunteers have also stepped up by launching fundraising and repair efforts. Already, several members of the Spanish Fork temple have begun restoring parts of the damage. Though the bullet holes may be patched over, the fear still lingers.
Other Recent Attacks
These are not isolated cases. In fact, they’ve become part of a disturbing trend over the last two years:
- BAPS Temple, New York – Defaced and vandalized with graffiti.
- BAPS Temple, Sacramento – Wrote messages like “Hindus go back” on the wall.
- BAPS Temple, Chino Hills – Targeted shortly before a political referendum.
This drumbeat of hate toward places of worship isn’t happening in a vacuum. Many fear it represents both rising intolerance and a lack of sufficient enforcement or deterrence.
Witness Accounts and Reactions
No eyewitness has come forward publicly, likely for safety reasons. But a senior member of the ISKCON temple, who requested not to be named, mentioned the surreal quiet that followed the sudden gunfire.
“We were inside, wrapping up our evening bhajans. All of a sudden, we heard what sounded like popping from outside. Some of us stayed low. We didn’t know if it was firecrackers or worse… well, we assumed the worst, and yeah, we were right.”
Local town officials and religious leaders from across denominations have now been engaging with the temple’s leadership. At least one interfaith gathering has been scheduled to address public safety, raise awareness, and promote solidarity.
What’s Next?
The bigger question is—Will anything change? Will incidents like these fade into newsfeeds only to resurface again months later with another temple?
The community is working hard not to let that happen. Besides peaceful demonstrations and social media awareness campaigns, many groups are starting to push lawmakers to take anti-Hindu hate crimes more seriously. But it’s still early days.
The ISKCON temple in Spanish Fork plans to reopen for regular visiting hours after limited closures this week. Meanwhile, temple leaders are seeking both funding support and commitment from security agencies to monitor the area more closely.
As one young devotee put it, clutching a candle during a vigil, “You can’t scare faith away. You can’t shoot it.”
Tensions remain high, but so does resolve. As new developments unfold, eyes are turning to both law enforcement and local officials to see how—and whether—they act decisively. Until then, security guards patrol a temple that was once a pure symbol of peace. The silence tonight is different. It’s guarded, cautious… and perhaps unshakable.
