Asian American democrats condemn alleged plot against Illinois Hindu temple
Leaders of the Democratic National Committee’s Asian American and interfaith wings have strongly condemned the alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, expressing solidarity with Hindu and South Asian American communities.
In a joint message issued to members on Wednesday, the leaders described the reported plan as an assault not only on a place of worship but on religious freedom, racial equality and the right of all Americans to live without fear.
The statement was signed by Bel Leong-Hong, chair of the DNC’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, and Indira Duggirala, Johnnie Roebuck, Reem Subei and Cindy Bass, co-chairs of its Interfaith Council. It was issued in response to the previously reported alleged plot and did not announce any fresh threat, arrest or development in the investigation.
“We are deeply disturbed by this planned attack,” the leaders said, adding that it represented a threat to the fundamental right of every American to worship freely and safely.
They said they stood with Hindu and South Asian American communities in Illinois and across the United States. The message also linked the condemnation to Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, a Hindu festival marking the victory of good over evil, and called for renewed efforts against hate, xenophobia, white supremacy and prejudice.
The Democratic leaders also used the statement to make an electoral appeal ahead of Election Day, urging members to support candidates who reject hate and defend the rights and safety of all Americans. They said the country needed leadership that protects constitutional freedoms and ensures that no family fears entering a temple, mosque, synagogue, church, gurdwara or any other place of worship.
The statement, however, did not propose specific legislation, funding for security at religious sites or changes to law-enforcement policy.
The alleged plot has already drawn demands in Congress for a federal probe. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi said last week that he had led 105 members of the House in urging FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate the attempted mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Hindu Temple in Aurora as a possible federal hate crime.
The congressional appeal included the entire Illinois House Democratic delegation, all Indian-American members of Congress and several senators. The lawmakers sought a federal hate-crime investigation, though no finding has yet been made that such an offence was committed.
(Inputs from IANS)