Shots Fired At Radha Krishna Temple In Utah, Authorities Probe Suspected Hate Crime

News18

01-07-2025

Last Updated:
Surveillance video captured a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and someone opening fire from the vehicle before speeding away
A place of worship in northern Utah has become the target of repeated gunfire, raising serious concerns about a potential hate crime against the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, located just off Main Street in Spanish Fork, United states.
Temple leaders say multiple shots were fired at the building over several nights in June, with bullets striking various parts of the temple's main structure—including the iconic dome, arches, and even a second-story window that opens into the main worship hall. The Utah County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case and has not ruled out the possibility of the attack being motivated by hate.
According to Fox13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, the first incident occurred on the night of June 18, when temple co-founder Vai Warden heard a loud sound near the Krishna Radio station building adjacent to the temple. At first, he thought it might have been fireworks or local teenagers playing around. But the next morning, bullet holes were discovered in temple walls and windows.
More gunfire followed later that same night and again on June 20, based on security footage reviewed by temple staff. Surveillance video captured a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and someone opening fire from the vehicle before speeding away.
Over 20 bullets in total struck the building, including shots fired from what appeared to be over 100 yards away. Bullet holes were found high up on the temple dome and near public gathering areas, increasing fears that the shots were intentionally aimed to intimidate.
Warden added that the temple, a part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has never experienced this kind of violence in its three-decade history in Spanish Fork.
The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was built in the early 1990s and has become a beloved landmark in Utah County. Known for its annual Holi festival, it draws thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond. It also serves as a center for cultural, spiritual, and interfaith events.
Following the shooting, temple leaders have installed enhanced security features, including new lighting, security cameras, taller fencing, and overnight patrols. A $1,000 reward has been announced for any information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect(s).
The Utah County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. Officers have collected shell casings and are reviewing video footage. So far, no arrests have been made, and authorities are asking for the public's help.
In a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune, the sheriff's office confirmed the ongoing investigation and said they are taking the case seriously, given the possible implications of religiously motivated violence.
Community members and faith leaders across Utah have expressed concern and solidarity, urging swift justice and greater protection for religious institutions.
The attack comes at a time of growing awareness about religious tolerance and the safety of minority communities in the US. Though law enforcement has not officially declared the incident a hate crime, the nature of the attack has sparked conversations about racial and religious bias, particularly against non-Christian communities in smaller towns.
'We're not going to shut our doors," Warden told ISKCON News. 'We'll keep the temple open. But this should never have happened, and we want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else."