On Friday, October 2, 2026, the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Vadtaldham in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was struck by a barrage of bricks, shattering multiple windows while priests and devotees were inside. No injuries were reported.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) condemned the attack and demanded swift police action, urging Mayor Kim Thomas to publicly denounce the act.
Hindu American Foundation executive director Suhag Shukla called the incident a manifestation of hate that has moved from online rhetoric to a tangible assault, urging federal leaders to condemn such acts.
The attack comes just weeks before the community’s celebration of Hindu Heritage Month and Navaratri, a period of heightened visibility for the community.
CoHNA has recorded a pattern of vandalism against Hindu sites across the United States, including a 2022 attack on a Gandhi statue in Queens and a 2023 graffiti incident in Newark.
Police have opened a criminal investigation into the brick assault, and city officials plan to issue a formal condemnation at the next council meeting.