The Shree Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, renowned globally for its vibrant Color Festival, has been subjected to a shocking act of violence, with over two dozen bullets fired at its sacred premises. The IndoUS Tribune unequivocally condemns this abhorrent incident in the strongest possible terms, viewing it as a deeply disturbing attack on religious freedom and community harmony.

Over several nights in recent days, the temple building and its surrounding property endured a barrage of gunfire. On June 18, temple staff reported hearing a loud noise and observing smoke from the radio station roof, though the cause was then unclear. Days later, the grim reality emerged: a bullet hole was discovered in a temple window, with the projectile piercing a wall within the main worship area. Additional bullet holes were found in the temple’s intricately hand-carved arches, resulting in thousands of dollars in structural damage. Approximately 20 shell casings were subsequently recovered from the road adjacent to the temple’s security fence. Surveillance footage from the night of the shooting reportedly shows a pickup truck in front of the property, though no suspects have yet been identified. This brazen act occurred while devotees and visitors were present inside the temple.

For decades, the Hare Krishna community in Spanish Fork has cultivated a strong and positive relationship with its neighbors in Utah County, fostering an environment of mutual respect. In the wake of the attack, expressions of solidarity have poured in from various community leaders. Monica Bambrough, Assistant Director for the Mount Nebo Communication Council for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a friend of the Krishna Community, conveyed deep sorrow over “these senseless acts [that] have no place in our communities.” She further highlighted gratitude for the temple’s “teachings of peace” and expressed a commitment to fostering ongoing relationships of “love, kindness, service, understanding, and acceptance.” Other leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also visited the temple to offer their support.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has launched an active investigation into the incident and has increased patrols around the temple grounds to ensure safety. In response, the temple administration is also bolstering its security measures. A security surveillance company in Springville, GARD, has commendably offered to deploy a surveillance truck to the temple site free of charge for two weeks. Temple officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction, urging local residents to report any gunfire in the area. Local media outlets are also assisting in appealing to the public for any relevant information.

This deliberate targeting of a place of worship is not merely an act of vandalism; it is an assault on the shared values of peace, tolerance, and religious pluralism that define a civilized society. The IndoUS Tribune stands in unwavering solidarity with the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple and the entire Hindu-American community. We call upon law enforcement to swiftly bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and urge all members of our community to remain vigilant and united against all forms of hatred and bigotry.