United States Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that growing anti-Indian rhetoric is contributing to real-world violence, following an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple near Chicago.

In an interview with IANS on Thursday, the Illinois Democrat said a potentially devastating attack at the Balaji temple during Navaratri was narrowly avoided when the suspect’s firearm reportedly malfunctioned after one shot was fired. He said families, including his own, were inside the temple and questioned why federal authorities had not detected the alleged plot earlier.

Krishnamoorthi said he had requested a federal hate crime investigation and an examination of the suspect’s online influences. He also criticized political figures for rhetoric targeting Indian-origin communities and urged leaders to condemn hatred against all religious groups.

The congressman expressed concern that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had not responded to his request, arguing that authorities must devote greater resources to preventing domestic extremism.