US: Hindu temple in Ohio attacked with bricks
A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was targeted in a brick-throwing attack, causing significant damage while devotees were inside.
A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was the target of a violent attack on Friday afternoon when unidentified perpetrators hurled bricks at the structure, causing significant damage. The incident occurred at the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir around 1:30 PM, while priests and devotees were present inside the premises.
Significant damage reported at Richmond Heights temple
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) reported the attack via social media, noting that the bricks shattered windows and caused substantial harm to the temple building. While the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) confirmed that the assault took place in the Greater Cleveland area, they have not yet disclosed if any injuries were sustained by the people inside during the chaos.
Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage to identify those responsible. The HAF has alerted the FBI and civil rights agencies, stating they are in close contact with temple leaders to provide necessary assistance. The foundation has urged law enforcement to make the apprehension of the perpetrators a top priority, labeling the event a possible hate crime.
Community calls for condemnation of bigotry
The attack comes at a sensitive time for the local community. The Hindu community in Ohio has just begun celebrating Hindu Heritage Month, and preparations for the upcoming Navratri festival are underway. In response to the vandalism, CoHNA has called upon Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas and local municipal authorities to publicly condemn the act of bigotry and demanded swift police action.
The foundation also issued a broader plea to elected leaders and government agencies across the United States, asking them to unequivocally condemn the growing hateful rhetoric directed at Indian and Hindu American communities.
A pattern of rising hostility?
The incident in Ohio is being viewed by community organizations as part of a concerning trend of hostility toward Hindu institutions in the United States. CoHNA has documented several prior instances of vandalism and targeted attacks, including:
- August 2022: Vandalism of a Mahatma Gandhi statue at Shri Tulsi Mandir in Queens, New York.
- December 2023: Hateful graffiti spray-painted at the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Newark, California.
- September 2024: Vandalism at BAPS temples in Melville, New York, and the Sacramento region of California.
- March 2025: Defacement of the BAPS sanctuary in Chino Hills, California, with malicious messages.
While these incidents highlight a series of specific targeted events, community advocates continue to express deep concern over the safety and security of Hindu Americans facing increasing vitriol.