From The Conversation · Arun Brahmbhatt · · 1m 50s
Failed Illinois Temple Attack Reveals Anti-Hindu Hate
A failed Hindu temple attack in Illinois exposes rising anti-Hindu hate in the US.
In brief
A failed Hindu temple attack in Illinois exposes rising anti-Hindu hate in the US. A 19-year-old man's failed attack on an Illinois Hindu temple revealed anti-Hindu hate in the US, with racial and religious hostility converging. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Failed Temple Attack
A 19-year-old man planned a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora, Illinois, armed with a rifle and body armor.
Hate Crime Investigation
Lawmakers called for the failed attack to be investigated as a hate crime due to the suspect's white supremacist manifesto.
Rising Anti-Hindu Hostility
A 2026 Carnegie Endowment survey found 1 in 4 Indian American adults reported being called a slur since early 2025.
Online Hate Incitement
Texas Republican candidate Bo French claimed Indian American students were a 'problem' in a viral post viewed 54 million times.
Christian Nationalism Rhetoric
Pastor Dale Partridge called the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple a 'demon temple' that would be leveled in 24 hours.
Hindu Temple Targeted
The suspect's manifesto described Indians, Jews, Black people and other minorities as 'sub-human' but targeted Hindu temples.
Historical Prejudice
Nineteenth-century American schoolbooks labeled Hindu worship as 'false idolatry' to prove moral degradation.
Modern Temple Attacks
In 1983, attackers desecrated a Pittsburgh temple, smashing sacred images and scrawling 'Leave' on the altar.
Racialization of Religion
Scholars call the blending of racial and religious hatred the 'racialization of religion' where brown skin stands for 'other' faith.
Online Threats
Stop AAPI Hate found 71% of online threats against Asian groups targeted South Asians with 'Indian invasion' rhetoric.
Converged Hate
On the first day of Navaratri, racial and religious hate converged in a parking lot in Aurora, Illinois.
The bottom line
A 19-year-old man's failed attack on an Illinois Hindu temple revealed anti-Hindu hate in the US, with racial and religious hostility converging.
