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Utah temple shooting ‘shattered the myth of religious freedom,’ says VHPA
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 03, Jul 2025
- 03:28 EDT
- 25
According to VHPA, the shootings occurred while devotees were present inside the temple. / Facebook
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), an Indian-origin community organization, has condemned what it called a “violent attack” on the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, after three shooting incidents left the temple premises damaged. VHPA said the attack, which involved over two dozen bullets fired over several days has “shattered the myth of religious freedom in this otherwise quiet neighborhood.”
“This reprehensible act is not only an attack on a sacred place of worship, but also a direct threat to the principles of peace, harmony, and religious freedom that define our society,” said Tejal Shah, president of VHPA. She added that while no injuries were reported, “we do recognize the deep emotional and spiritual pain this incident has caused the temple community and Hindus across the nation.”
The temple, affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is known for hosting the largest Holi festival in the western hemisphere. According to VHPA, the shootings occurred while devotees were present inside the temple.
ALSO READ: Gunshots fired at Krishna temple in Utah, police seek public help
Amitabh Mittal, VHPA’s general secretary, said the attacks followed a pattern of increasing hostility towards Hindu places of worship. “What began as acts of vandalism, including breaking entrance doors, demolishing boundary walls, and defacing signage with graffiti at Hindu Mandirs, has now escalated into a direct and full-blown violent threat,” he said. “We demand that local authorities undertake a rapid and thorough investigation.”
Shyam Tiwari, national spokesperson and vice president of VHPA, added that hate crimes against Hindus have “slowly risen to an alarming level and must be nipped in the bud by the law enforcement authorities.”
Vallabha Tantry, convener of the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC), echoed these concerns and said such incidents are part of a troubling nationwide trend. “In recent months, Hindu temples across the United States—including in California, New York, and elsewhere—have faced repeated acts of vandalism, arson, and hate-driven graffiti.”
In a separate statement posted on X, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) also called the attack “targeted” and “hate.” The group added: “No injuries, but the trauma is real. HAF condemns this violence because silence is complicity.”
VHPA has called on federal and local law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and bring those responsible to justice. It also urged elected officials and interfaith leaders to stand in solidarity with the Hindu community.
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