Ohio Hindu temple attacked with bricks while worshippers are inside

Worshippers and priests were inside the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio, on Friday afternoon when vandals pelted the building with bricks, shattering its windows.

The attack occurred at around 1:30 pm at the temple, which is located in the Greater Cleveland area. Photos and video footage shared online after the incident showed heavy bricks resting inside the building and shards of broken window glass scattered across the temple floors. Although no injuries were reported, the sudden violence has shaken the local community.

Police review security footage

The Richmond Heights Police Department is investigating the attack, and investigators are currently reviewing surveillance camera footage from the temple's security system.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said it is in close contact with temple leaders to offer assistance and has alerted both the FBI and its Civil Rights Division to the incident.

No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been made. While local police have not yet confirmed whether they are treating the incident as a hate crime, Hindu advocacy groups are lobbying authorities to do so.

"This possible hate crime comes at a time of unprecedented hate and vitriol directed at the Hindu American community," HAF said in a statement. The group urged law enforcement to make catching those responsible a top priority, while calling on political leaders to "publicly and unequivocally condemn hateful rhetoric against Indian and Hindu American communities."

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has also petitioned Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas and local police to formally condemn the attack and ensure a thorough investigation.

A pattern of vandalism

The incident took place just as Hindu communities in Ohio and across the United States began observing Hindu Heritage Month, an annual October event designed to celebrate Hindu culture and traditions. Worshippers are also preparing for the major autumn festival of Navratri.

Advocacy groups warn that the Ohio vandalism is not an isolated event. According to the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, more than 15 Hindu temples have been vandalised across the United States over the last five years.

Similar incidents have occurred in several states over the past few years. In August 2022, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised at the Shri Tulsi Mandir in Queens, New York. More recently, in September 2024, BAPS Swaminarayan temples in Melville, New York, and Sacramento, California, were targeted by vandals. In March 2025, another temple in Chino Hills, California, was defaced with hateful messages.