US lawmakers, officials condemn vandalism of temple in New York
New York, Sep 17: Bipartisan lawmakers across the US have strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple here and called for an investigation into the incident, asserting that America must stand together against all forms of hate.
The road and the signage outside the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, were sprayed with expletives on Monday, according to footage shared online. The BAPS Public Affairs said in a post on X that it was deeply saddened by the desecration of the temple, calling it an “act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus".
"Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect and unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion and solidarity,” it said.
Melville is located in in Suffolk County, on Long Island and is about 28 kilometres from the 16,000-seater Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a mega community event on September 22.
US lawmakers across party lines strongly condemned the vandalism, calling for perpetrators to be held accountable.
Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois said he was “appalled by the despicable acts” of vandalism targeting the temple. “As our country faces a surge in political violence and acts of bigotry, we must stand together as Americans against all forms of hate,” he said.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna also strongly condemned the act of desecration. “Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence. We need accountability and to make sure this does not happen again,” he said.
Calling the vandalism "totally" unacceptable, US Congressman from Michigan Shri Thanedar "strongly condemn the hideous acts of vandalism" targeting the temple.
"Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate must be fully investigated. The BAPS community deserves answers and justice,” Thanedar said.
Democratic Congress member Tom Suozzi, representing New York's Third Congressional District said in a post on X that he was appalled by the “hideous acts” of vandalism targeting the temple.
“There is too much hate!… Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism, and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation,” he said.
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District also took to X and said that “attacks on places of worship are attacks on our most fundamental values."
"This cannot, and will not, be tolerated," he said.
“We stand firmly with our Hindu-American community and condemn violence and hatred in all its forms, without exception. A full investigation should be pursued, and justice must be served swiftly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Fitzpatrick added.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar condemned the vandalism of the temple, which she said is a "beacon of spirituality and inclusivity that is beloved in the community".
“I call for this to be investigated as a hate crime. Freedom of worship is a fundamental American value that we must protect,” she said.
State Senator in the Ohio Senate Niraj Antani condemned in the “strongest terms” the attack on the temple. “The perpetrators must be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is yet another disgusting incidence of Hinduphobia in our country. We must stand together to combat this hatred.”
The temple held a prayer meeting later in the afternoon following the incident. Suozzi and Republican Congressman Nick LaLota were among the officials who visited the temple after the incident and addressed the prayer meeting.
Former State Representative for Michigan’s 41st House District Padma Kuppa said, “Whether in Bangladesh or here at home in America, hate against Hindus is on the rise. I know first-hand how destructive it is.”
Joshua McKoon, a former member of the Georgia State Senate described the vandalism as “totally outrageous and unacceptable.”
Hindu American Foundation said in a post on X that the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security “must investigate” the attack on the temple “after recent threats to Hindu institutions as a large Indian community gathering is planned in nearby Nassau County this weekend."
“It is hard to comprehend the absolute cowardice of those who would attack a Hindu temple to air hatred for an elected leader. This attack, following recent threats at Hindu and Indian institutions, must be seen in the context of that threat scenario,” Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation Suhag Shukla said in a post on X.
The Consulate General of India here also strongly condemned the vandalism of the temple, stating it is in touch with the community. It also said that it has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against perpetrators of the “heinous act.”
“The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable,” the Indian Consulate said in a post on X Monday.
It is hard to comprehend the absolute cowardice of those who would attack a Hindu temple to air hatred for an elected leader.
— Suhag A. Shukla (@SuhagAShukla) September 16, 2024
This attack, following recent threats at Hindu and Indian institutions, must be seen in the context of that threat scenario. @SCPDHq @TheJusticeDept https://t.co/Dhg3gZTVTm
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
