NEWARK, N.J. (Diya TV) — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker urged communities to confront religious hatred in a Navratri message that cited an alleged shooting plot against an Illinois Hindu temple and criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration and economic policies.
The New Jersey Democrat’s essay sent to Diya TV, drew on celebrations across his state, from garba gatherings in Jersey City to school gymnasiums in Elizabeth and Cherry Hill and temples in Parsippany. He described families dancing around the garbo and the rhythmic sound of sticks during dandiya raas.
Booker connected the festivals’ emphasis on courage and compassion to the responsibility to support neighbors facing discrimination.
He cited the alleged plot against a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. Police arrested Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, on Oct. 11 after a coworker reported concerning communications. Investigators said he drove to the temple intending to attack worshippers but returned home after his rifle malfunctioned.
Authorities recovered a rifle, ammunition and writings expressing white supremacist views. Paporakis faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a short-barreled rifle. A judge ordered him detained; the charges remain allegations.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., said he and his family were worshipping at the temple that day. Temple officials subsequently announced additional security measures, including an increased armed security presence.
Booker also addressed household costs, citing restaurants on Oak Tree Road in Iselin, Indian Bazaar in Jersey City and Patel Brothers stores. He blamed Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war for higher prices and criticized immigration enforcement affecting legal residents and families seeking reunification.
He closed by invoking Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Rama’s defeat of Ravana, urging those celebrating to “lead with compassion, stand with courage, and never lose faith in the triumph of good over evil.”
