Indian American lawmakers demand to know Justice Department’s strategy to combat anti-Hindu hate crimes 

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WASHINGTON – On Friday, March 29, 2024, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, led U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Ami Bera (CA-06) in a letter requesting a briefing from the Department of Justice on the status of investigations into recent vandalism at houses of worship across the country, attacks on mandirs, and the Department’s broader strategy against hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States.

“Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” the Members wrote.

“Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately ‘no leads’ on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law.”

The letter went on to say, “The number of incidents and the closeness of the timing of incidents raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent behind them.”

It said further, that “It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear within a community that has often been marginalized or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America.”

The signatories said, “We therefore request that you provide us with an understanding of what the Department’s strategy is specifically concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States.”

The letter’s five signers requested that the Department of Justice provide the requested briefing no later than Thursday, April 18th.