US Congressman Ro Khanna Condemns Vandalism at Hindu Temple in California
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has condemned the desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, which was defaced with anti-Hindu messages. He called on the US Department of Justice to investigate these hate crimes.
In a post on X, Ro Khanna stated, “This type of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law.”
The incident occurred less than 10 days after a similar act of vandalism at a BAPS temple in New York. The messages included phrases such as “Hindus go back,” causing concern among the local Hindu community.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, where the graffiti was discovered. Vandals had also cut water lines at the property.
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera also condemned the act, stating, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.”
The Hindu American Foundation thanked Bera for raising the issue, noting that the vandalism targeted a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Government of India and telling Hindus to “go home.”
Several US lawmakers have condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York and demanded action against those responsible. Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar also condemned the “hideous act” and stressed that such acts of “vandalism, bigotry, and hate” must be fully investigated.
Doubts Revealed
US Congressman -: A US Congressman is a person who is elected to make laws and decisions for the country in the United States. They work in a place called Congress.
Ro Khanna -: Ro Khanna is a person who was born in America but his family is from India. He works as a Congressman in the United States.
Vandalism -: Vandalism means damaging or destroying things on purpose. It’s like when someone breaks or writes on something that doesn’t belong to them.
Hindu Temple -: A Hindu Temple is a place where people who follow the Hindu religion go to pray and worship their gods.
California -: California is a big state in the United States. It has many cities and is known for places like Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
Indian-American -: Indian-American means a person who lives in America but has family roots in India. They might celebrate both Indian and American traditions.
Desecration -: Desecration means treating a holy or special place with disrespect. It’s like being very rude to something that is very important to others.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir -: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a type of Hindu temple. BAPS is a group that builds and takes care of these temples.
Sacramento -: Sacramento is the capital city of California. It’s where the government of California is located.
US Department of Justice -: The US Department of Justice is a part of the US government that makes sure people follow the laws. They also investigate crimes.
Hate crime -: A hate crime is when someone does something bad to another person or place because of their race, religion, or other personal traits. It’s a very serious crime.
Anti-Hindu messages -: Anti-Hindu messages are words or signs that are very mean and hurtful to people who follow the Hindu religion.
New York -: New York is another big state in the United States. It has a famous city also called New York, known for the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.
Ami Bera -: Ami Bera is another Indian-American Congressman. He also works in the US Congress and helps make laws.
Hindu American Foundation -: The Hindu American Foundation is a group that helps and supports people who follow the Hindu religion in America.
Religious intolerance -: Religious intolerance means not accepting or being mean to people because of their religion. It’s the opposite of respecting different beliefs.
Community safety -: Community safety means making sure that everyone in a neighborhood or city is safe and protected from harm.