Indian-American Lawmakers Seek DOJ Action On Rising Hate Crimes Against Hindus

In a significant move, five Indian-American lawmakers have reached out to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), seeking a comprehensive briefing on the notable increase in hate crimes targeting Hindus and the vandalism of temples across the United States. This request comes in light of a series of attacks on Hindu places of worship, stretching from New York to California, which has heightened concerns and fear among Hindu Americans.

The lawmakers, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera, have expressed their concerns in a letter addressed to Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division. They highlighted the absence of leads on suspects in these cases, which continues to leave the community in a state of fear and intimidation. The letter emphasized the need for better law enforcement coordination to address these bias-motivated crimes and ensure equal protection under the law.

This collective action by all five Indian-American members of the current House of Representatives marks a rare occasion of unity on an issue that deeply impacts their community. They pointed out the troubling pattern and timing of these incidents, raising questions about their linkages and underlying intent. The lawmakers stressed the importance of a collaborative effort to combat hate against all minorities in America and requested specific insights into the DOJ's strategy to tackle hate crimes against Hindus.

Furthermore, they noted an alarming rise in vandalism at houses of worship across the country, including Hindu temples. The request for a briefing aims to gain a clearer understanding of the existing coordination between local agencies, the FBI, and the Civil Rights Division in investigating these crimes. The urgency of the situation was underscored by setting a deadline for the briefing no later than Thursday, April 18th.

The initiative by these lawmakers has been met with appreciation from Indian-American leaders. Khanderao Kand, chief of policy and strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), acknowledged the sudden spike in vandalism and thefts at temples in America during Q1 2024. He expressed gratitude towards the Indian-American House Representatives for urging the FBI and DOJ to take action, especially in light of local officials' often inadequate response to these incidents.

This concerted effort by Indian-American lawmakers underscores a commitment to addressing and curbing hate crimes against Hindus in the United States. It reflects a broader call for unity and action against bias-motivated violence affecting all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities across the nation.