Shots Fired At Radha Krishna Temple In Utah, Authorities Probe Suspected Hate Crime

9 hours ago

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 21:17 IST

Surveillance video captured a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and someone opening fire from the vehicle before speeding away

Bullet hole seen at Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork. (Image Courtesy ISKCON)

Bullet hole seen at Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork. (Image Courtesy ISKCON)

A place of worship in northern Utah has become the target of repeated gunfire, raising serious concerns about a potential hate crime against the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, located just off Main Street in Spanish Fork, United states.

Temple leaders say multiple shots were fired at the building over several nights in June, 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. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case and has not ruled out the possibility of the attack being motivated by hate.

According to Fox13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, the first incident occurred 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. At first, he thought it might have been fireworks or local teenagers playing around. But the next morning, bullet holes were discovered in temple walls and windows.

More gunfire followed later that same night and again on June 20, based on security footage reviewed by temple staff. Surveillance video captured a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and someone opening fire from the vehicle before speeding away.

Over 20 bullets in total struck the building, including shots fired from what appeared to be over 100 yards away. Bullet holes were found high up on the temple dome and near public gathering areas, increasing fears that the shots were intentionally aimed to intimidate.

Speaking to ISKCON News and Herald Extra, Warden said the temple leadership believes the site was deliberately targeted. “This wasn’t a random act of vandalism. Someone came here with the intent to cause fear or harm," he said. “It’s an attack on a sacred space and a peaceful community."

Warden added that the temple, a part of the Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has never experienced this kind of violence in its three-decade history in Spanish Fork.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco condemned the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.

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 Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was built in the early 1990s and has become a beloved landmark in Utah County. Known for its annual Holi festival, it draws thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond. It also serves as a center for cultural, spiritual, and interfaith events.

Following the shooting, temple leaders have installed enhanced security features, including new lighting, security cameras, taller fencing, and overnight patrols. A $1,000 reward has been announced for any information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect(s).

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Officers have collected shell casings and are reviewing video footage. So far, no arrests have been made, and authorities are asking for the public’s help.

In a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune, the sheriff’s office confirmed the ongoing investigation and said they are taking the case seriously, given the possible implications of religiously motivated violence.

Community members and faith leaders across Utah have expressed concern and solidarity, urging swift justice and greater protection for religious institutions.

The attack comes at a time of growing awareness about religious tolerance and the safety of minority communities in the US. Though law enforcement has not officially declared the incident a hate crime, the nature of the attack has sparked conversations about racial and religious bias, particularly against non-Christian communities in smaller towns.

“We’re not going to shut our doors," Warden told ISKCON News. “We’ll keep the temple open. But this should never have happened, and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else."

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Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...Read More

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...

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News world Shots Fired At Radha Krishna Temple In Utah, Authorities Probe Suspected Hate Crime

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