Overview
- The Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham temple in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was struck by bricks at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, shattering windows while priests and devotees were inside.
- The Hindu American Foundation described the incident as a possible hate crime and said surveillance video exists and that the FBI and Justice Department civil-rights units are being notified.
- Local police are reviewing the footage but have not publicly identified any suspects or made arrests, and authorities have not confirmed a religious motive.
- The Coalition of Hindus of North America urged the mayor and police to condemn the attack and move swiftly, citing a timeline of prior vandalism and hostility toward Hindu sites in the U.S.
- The attack comes as Ohio marks the start of Hindu Heritage Month and prepares for Navratri, raising local fears, prompting calls for increased security at temples, and making the probe a high priority for community leaders.