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Shots fired at Iskcon temple in US, India demands ‘prompt action' in potential hate crime
An Iskcon temple in northern Utah came under attack after shots were fired at the place of worship multiple times last month, causing damage to the structure and raising concerns over a possible hate crime.
The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, located just off Main Street in Utah's Spanish Fork, became the target of gunfire over several nights in June, with bullets hitting various parts of the temple, including the dome arches, and even a second-story window.
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What happened?
According to reports by Fox13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, the first incident of firing occurred on June 18 when the temple's co-founder, Vai Warden, was woken up by a loud sound near the Krishna Radio station building adjacent to the temple in the middle of the night.
The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah (USA), world-famous for its Holi Festival, has recently come under attack in suspected hate crimes. Over the past several days, 20–30 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property. The… pic.twitter.com/ew4MmNsQvA — ISKCON (@iskcon) July 1, 2025
Initially, assuming it was the sound emitted by fireworks or the work of teenagers, Warden later found bullet holes in the temple's walls and windows. More gunshots were reported on June 20, according to security footage reviewed by temple staff.
Surveillance video showed a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and an individual firing shots from the vehicle before quickly driving away.
Initial investigation revealed that 20 bullets were recovered from the temple premises, including from the dome and near public gathering areas, indicating that they were fired to intimidate. The shots were fired from approximately 100 yards away.
'Not an act of random vandalism'
In an interview with Iskcon News and Herald Extra, Warden stated that the temple leadership believes the attack was intentional. 'This wasn't a random act of vandalism. Someone came here with the intent to cause fear or harm," he said. 'It's an attack on a sacred space and a peaceful community."
Warden noted that the temple, which belongs to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has never faced such violence in its 30-year history in Spanish Fork.
India reacts
The Indian Consulate in San Fransico said, 'We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice.'
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