A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights was attacked Friday afternoon when one or more people threw bricks at the building, causing significant damage, according to the Hindu American Foundation. The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. at the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in the Greater Cleveland suburb. The foundation said surveillance video of the attack is available and is being reviewed by authorities.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America said the bricks shattered windows while priests and devotees were inside the temple. The Hindu American Foundation said it has alerted the FBI and federal civil rights authorities, calling the attack a possible hate crime and urging law enforcement to make apprehending those responsible a top priority.
The foundation also called on elected leaders and government agencies to publicly condemn hateful rhetoric directed at Indian and Hindu American communities, saying the incident comes amid rising vitriol. The coalition urged Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas and city authorities to condemn the attack and called on Richmond Heights police to act swiftly. No suspect has been identified and no arrests have been reported.
The attack came as Hindus in Ohio began observing Hindu Heritage Month, which Hindu community organizations mark each October, ahead of Navratri observances. Community advocates have warned of a rising number of incidents targeting Hindu temples across the country in recent years.
