Iskcon Temple in US' Utah targeted, 20-30 bullets fired over past several days; India urges action

According to the temple administration, multiple shots were fired at the building 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.

"Over the past several days, 20–30 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property. The incidents occurred during nighttime hours, while devotees and guests were present inside, and have resulted in thousands of dollars in structural damage, including to the temple’s hand-carved arches," Iskcon posted on X.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office is probing the matter and has not ruled out the possibility of the incident being motivated by hate.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has condemned the incident and urged local authorities to take prompt action in this regard.

"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,” the Consulate said in a statement.

The first incident of firing reportedly took place 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.

Initially, Warden thought it might have been fireworks or that local teenagers might be playing around. But the next morning, bullet holes were spotted on the temple walls and windows.

More gunfire continued later the same night and again on June 20, CCTV footage scanned by the temple staff revealed.

The footage showed a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and someone opening fire from the vehicle before speeding away.