Chandigarh: A Hindu place of worship in Ohio’s Richmond Heights came under a brick attack on October 2, damaging the building and breaking windows even as priests and worshippers remained on the premises, Hindu advocacy organisations said. The alleged attackers have not been identified, and no arrests have been announced.
The Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir, located in the Greater Cleveland region, was reportedly struck at around 1.30 pm. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said bricks were thrown at the temple, causing substantial damage to the property.
In a post on X, HAF stated, “The Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights was attacked by perpetrator(s). Surveillance video is available and being reviewed by authorities. The @FBI@Civil Rights are being alerted. HAF is in touch with temple leaders and offering all assistance.”
Possible Hate Crime Alleged
The organisation described the episode as a possible hate crime and demanded that investigators make locating those behind it a priority.
“This possible hate crime comes at a time of unprecedented hate and vitriol directed at the Hindu American community. We ask that law enforcement make apprehending the perpetrator(s) a top priority. We also call on our nation’s elected leaders and government agencies to publicly and unequivocally condemn hateful rhetoric against Indian and Hindu American communities,’’ it said.
HAF also noted that the incident coincided with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and the launch of Hindu Heritage Month in Ohio, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Groups Seek Action
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) said the temple was vandalised with bricks, which shattered windows while priests and some devotees were inside. It linked the timing to the start of Hindu Heritage Month and the forthcoming Navratri festival.
In a post on X, CoHNA said, “This afternoon, in a fresh incident of Hinduphobia, the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Vadtaldham, in the greater Cleveland area, Ohio, was attacked and vandalised with bricks, shattering windows while priests and some devotees were inside. This comes as Hindus in Ohio begin celebrating Hindu Heritage Month and honour the Divine Feminine through Navratri in less than 10 days.”
The coalition urged Mayor Kim Thomas, municipal authorities and Richmond Heights police to respond firmly.
“We call upon Mayor Kim Thomas and @RichmondHtsOH to condemn such bigotry and @PoliceRichmond to take swift action against the perpetrator,’’ it said.
The post did not identify any suspect, mention arrests or provide evidence of a religious motive.
CoHNA has previously recorded vandalism at Hindu religious locations in the US, including damage to a Gandhi statue in Queens in 2022 and hate graffiti at a California temple in 2023. It also cited attacks on BAPS temples in New York and California in 2024, and defacement of a Chino Hills temple in 2025.
