Multiple shots fired at ISKCON temple in US, India urges ‘prompt action'
ISKCON said that over the past several days, 20–30 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property, causing significant structural damage, including the temple's hand-carved arches.
The body added that on June 18, the temple staff heard a loud noise and noticed smoke coming from the temple's radio station roof. A few days later, bullet marks were found in one of the temple's windows and in the building's arches.
Approximately 20 shell casings were recovered from the road just outside the temple's security fence.
The incidents occurred during nighttime hours, while devotees and guests were present inside, said ISKCON.
India condemns the attack
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco condemned the attack and extended full support to the community, calling for prompt action.
'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,' it said in a statement on X.
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.…
— India in SF (@CGISFO) July 1, 2025
The Utah County Sheriff's office released a statement calling these incidents 'several acts of vandalism' and shared images of evidence from the site, including casings from the rounds fired at the temple.
'Over the weekend, our office was made aware of several acts of vandalism directed towards the Krishna Temple that is located off of 8500 South here in Utah County. UCSO Deputies responded to the Temple and recovered various items of evidence, including casings from the rounds fired at the Temple,' it said.
A post shared by Utah County Sheriff's Office (@utahcountysheriff)
President of the Krishna Temple, Vai Warden, said that the attack was an outcome of 'hate'.
'This was [a] serious attack that was planned — this was actually some sort of hate,' Warden said in an interview with ABC4.
The two-decade-old temple is world-famous for its annual Holi Festival and is located on top of a hill in Spanish Fork.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
8 Delhi cops suspended after security lapses during Janmashtami at ISKCON temple
Delhi Police Commissioner S B K Singh on Saturday ordered the suspension of eight police personnel, including officers of the rank of inspector and sub-inspector, after lapses in security arrangements were detected during his visit to the ISKCON temple, an official said. Singh also issued a strict warning to the station house officer of Shahbad Dairy police station, under whose jurisdiction part of the deployment fell.(Sanjeev Verma/HT File Photo for representation) Singh had visited the temple to personally review security measures that had been put in place in view of Janmashtami celebrations, which attract thousands of devotees every year. Security around temples and religious places was intensified across the city as large gatherings were expected, a senior police officer said. "During his inspection, the commissioner noticed that at one of the crucial points in the temple premises, no security personnel were deployed. This raised serious concerns regarding the overall preparedness and vigilance of the staff on duty," the officer said. The police chief immediately directed stern action, ordering the suspension of eight personnel for dereliction of duty. He also issued a strict warning to the station house officer of Shahbad Dairy police station, under whose jurisdiction part of the deployment fell. Officials said the suspended personnel include inspectors and sub-inspectors who had been assigned to oversee the temple security arrangements. Their absence from designated points was viewed as a grave lapse, especially given the heightened security advisories for Janmashtami. Senior officials added that the commissioner has asked all district police commissioners to personally monitor arrangements at sensitive religious sites and ensure that personnel remain alert and visible. Singh has said that any negligence in security, particularly during major festivals, will not be tolerated. The Delhi Police has been on high alert across the capital since last week, with security stepped up at temples, marketplaces, transport hubs and other crowded areas to prevent any untoward incident during the festive period. Meanwhile, additional personnel have been deployed at the ISKCON temple to manage the heavy footfall of devotees, and senior officers are supervising the situation on the ground, officials said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Delhi top cop suspends 8 officers over absence during Janmashtami duty
Eight police officers, including an inspector-rank officer from Northwest Delhi's Shahbad Dairy police station, were suspended after they were found absent from duty near an ISKCON temple in the area during Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh's visit on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer-North) Hareshwar Swami confirmed the development. According to officers, the Delhi Police Commissioner conducted a ground-level inspection in various parts of the Capital on Saturday. The police had stepped up security arrangements outside several temples and prominent markets across the city amid celebrations for Janmashtami. In the morning, when the Police Commissioner arrived at the ISKCON temple in the Shahbad Dairy area, it was found that the personnel assigned to Gate Number 2 were not present, said officers. The Police Commissioner, officers said, immediately instructed the District Police Head to take the matter seriously and ordered the suspension of the responsible officers. 'As of now, eight personnel have been found missing, after which the suspension orders were issued. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated to determine if more personnel were absent,' a senior police officer said. Singh has instructed all the Special CPs that show-cause notices should be issued to concerned ACP (sub-division) and district DCPs for not keeping proper supervision of their staff. He also directed them to make an adverse entry in this regard in the annual performance appraisal report of concerned ACP (sub-division). Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer, took charge as the Delhi police chief earlier this month. In a recent meeting held at Delhi Police headquarters, he reiterated that there was 'zero tolerance' for corruption in the force, said officers.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Traffic advisory for Krishna Janmashtami celebrations at ISKON temple
The Hyderabad Traffic Police has announced traffic restrictions and diversions on August 16 in connection with 'Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsava' organised by ISKCON temple authorities at Abids. The measures will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. to manage expected heavy traffic in the area. Motorists have been advised to avoid Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids Circle, the Old Hyderabad Collector Office, Chirag Ali and Nampally Station Road during the specified hours. Diversions will be in place at key points. Traffic from Gunfoundry and Tilak Road Junction towards Nampally Station Road will be diverted at GPO Junction towards MJ Market. Vehicles from Jambagh Road and SA Bazar Mosque heading towards GPO Junction will be diverted at MJ Market towards Gandhi Bhavan and Chappel Road. Traffic from Nampally towards Koti Bank Street will be allowed via HP Petrol Pump, ACB Lane, Yousuf & Company and Troop Bazaar. Vehicles from the BJP State office will be diverted from Tr. PS Abids Junction towards MJ Market Road. Devotees attending the celebrations at the ISKCON temple have been asked to park their vehicles at Exhibition Ground, Nampally. The Hyderabad Traffic Police urged people to follow the advisory, use alternative routes to avoid congestion, and cooperate with officers on duty. For travel assistance in emergencies, commuters may call the traffic helpline on 9010203626.
