Suspected Hate Crime Shakes Local Utah Hindu Community

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Posted by AI on 2025-07-01 16:35:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-01 16:48:24

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A recent act of violence at a Utah Hindu temple is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The breaking of this news only furthers the toll of increasing anti-Asian crimes across the US.

On the morning of January 12th, 2023, police received multiple 911 calls from frightened community members at the Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The callers reported a vehicle driving by the temple and firing shots at around 5 am.

Authorities arrived at the scene to find bullet holes in the temple's exterior walls and fencing. A police statement confirmed that the shooter had fired multiple rounds, and local news outlets reported that at least 25 shell casings were found scattered on the ground. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the members of the congregation or the temple staff.

The investigation is now underway, with local police collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies to assess the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police have released surveillance camera footage showing a white sedan stopping near the temple's fence, and someone firing multiple rounds from the passenger seat before the vehicle sped away.

While the investigation is still ongoing, officials are increasingly suspecting a hate crime based on the target and the actions of the perpetrators. This suspicion is further supported by the recent spike in anti-Asian hate crimes, as Asian communities have been unjustly blamed and attacked amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Temple representatives have released statements expressing fear and sadness but remain hopeful that the community will stand together and support one another during this difficult time.

The incident has shocked and saddened the local community, and many are concerned about the potential targeting of religious institutions and the increase in hate-fueled crimes.

Again, this is a developing story, with many details still emerging. We will keep you updated as the story evolves.

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