WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam condemned a recent wave of attacks on Hindu temples across the United States. He spoke on the House floor this week, urging lawmakers to unite against hate and ensure religious communities can worship in peace.

Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia, said the attacks reflect a troubling rise in violence and division in the country. He cited vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, and shootings at the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.

“Hate has no place in our communities,” Subramanyam said on Capitol Hill. “Every American deserves the right to safely practice their faith without fear.”

He stressed that these were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of violence against places of worship. “It’s not just happening to temples. It’s happening to all places of worship,” he said.

In recent months, Hindu temples across the U.S. have faced vandalism, desecration, and even gunfire.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood was desecrated with hate messages last month. Devotees reported similar attacks on BAPS temples in Long Island, New York, and in Sacramento and Los Angeles, California.

In Utah, gunmen fired 20 to 30 bullets at the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork. The attack damaged hand-carved arches and caused thousands of dollars in repairs, according to temple co-founder Vaibhavi Devi Dasi. Devotees and guests were present during the shooting, but no one was injured.

The Bay Area Shiv Durga Temple in Santa Clara, California, also came under attack. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois condemned the incident, calling for swift justice against the perpetrators. He said acts of vandalism targeting Hindu temples are on the rise and must be condemned “in the strongest terms possible.”

Subramanyam urged lawmakers to support greater resources for security at temples and other places of worship. He said protecting sacred spaces should remain a national priority.

“We must be committed to doing more to combat the rise in hate that we’re experiencing in the United States,” he said. “I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our communities are protected.”

Krishnamoorthi echoed this call, saying Americans should be able to pray in peace and safety. “I will continue to speak out, show up, and offer my support to preserve this sacred ideal,” he said.

The Hindu American community has raised alarms about the repeated targeting of temples. Many fear that rising intolerance could further endanger religious minorities in the U.S.

Subramanyam’s remarks highlight the growing urgency of the issue. As the first Indian American to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, he has used his platform to bring national attention to the problem.

Before joining Congress, Subramanyam worked as a lawyer and served as a White House technology policy adviser to President Barack Obama.

The U.S. has seen rising hate crimes in recent years, targeting communities based on race, ethnicity, and religion. Attacks on Hindu temples are part of this broader trend.

Faith leaders say these incidents not only damage property but also instill fear among worshippers. Temples, which often serve as community centers, are left to bear the financial and emotional burden of repairs.

Civil rights advocates argue that hate crimes threaten the nation’s founding promise of religious freedom. They stress that protecting minority communities is essential to preserving democracy and equality.

Subramanyam’s message at the Capitol reflects a broader demand for collective action. He and other lawmakers argue that addressing hate requires bipartisan cooperation.

By condemning the attacks and advocating for greater protection, Subramanyam aims to reassure Hindu Americans and all people of faith that their safety matters.

“Every community deserves respect,” he said. “We must stand together against hate.”