SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, July 1, 2025 (Salt Lake Tribune): Leaders of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple near Spanish Fork say their sacred house of worship has become the target of domestic terrorism and hate crimes after a series of gunshots struck temple buildings over several days. At least 20 to 30 bullets were fired at the temple building or property along 8500 South in the past few days, according to a news release from temple leaders. Some of the bullets struck “irreplaceable” arches and a temple window, leaders said, traveling through the worship room and lodging in the opposite wall. They said the gunfire came from outside the property’s security fence and happened mostly at night, when the grounds were closed to the public. Vai Warden, co-founder of Utah’s Krishna Temple and wife of temple priest Caru Das, said they heard a huge bang and saw smoke coming from the roof of the Krishna Radio Station on the 15-acre temple grounds on June 18. The bang happened in the evening, she said, when people were inside the building.

Temple leaders added security measures, such as lighting, fencing and surveillance cameras. Security personnel are reviewing footage for evidence, they said, and the sheriff’s office has visited the site and is monitoring the situation. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the vandalism, according to Sgt. Raymond Ormond. In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office asked for the public’s help in identifying those responsible.

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/06/30/krishna-temple-target-hate-crimes/

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