Gunfire struck the temple and nearby radio station over several nights, prompting heightened security, leaders said.
(Krishna Temple security staff) A bullet hole in a window of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple near Spanish Fork.
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 last few days, according to a news release from temple leaders. Some of the bullets struck “irreplaceable” arches and a temple window, traveling through the worship room and lodging in the opposite wall, leaders said.
Temple leaders said the gunfire came from outside the property’s security fence and has 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, when people were inside the building, she said.
“We really didn’t know what it was,” Warden said. “We thought maybe some incendiary, maybe just crazy teenagers, and so we didn’t report it.”
On Thursday, Warden said, shots were fired at the temple. On Friday morning, leaders discovered a bullet hole in one of the temple’s windows, which they believe penetrated the glass and struck the opposite wall of the worship room. She said bullet holes were also found in the temple’s structure.
More shots were fired at the temple grounds on Friday night, Warden said.
“We looked on the surveillance cameras, and the most we could see was repeated shots, flashes in the camera and the pickup truck,” Warden said. “We weren’t able to identify license plate numbers or anything like that.”
The gunfire came from outside the security fence, Warden said, at least 100 yards from the temple’s dome, which she believes was the target of the shots.
“It’s a long distance away,” Warden said. “So whatever they were using had to have traveled well.”
Leaders said a security guard has been stationed nightly to protect the public and the property.
The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for what leaders describe as a hate crime, they said. They urge anyone who hears gunfire in the area to report it to law enforcement.
(Krishna Temple security staff) A bullet hole in the structure of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple near Spanish Fork.
Temple leaders added security measures, such as lighting, fencing and surveillance cameras. Security personnel are reviewing footage for evidence, and the sheriff’s office has visited the site and is monitoring the situation, they said.
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. Tipsters who call the sheriff’s office central dispatch, at 801-798-5600, can remain anonymous.
Deputies responded to the temple and collected evidence at the scene, including bullet casings from rounds fired at the building, the post states.
Temple leaders said repairing the damage could cost several thousand dollars. Warden said they are considering launching a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of repairs and added security measures.
She said temple leaders have chosen to keep the temple open to the public despite the vandalism. While most of the staff are staying, she acknowledged that some people may feel afraid — adding that one intern, after a year of service, has decided to leave due to fear for their safety.
“We can’t tell who’s done it or why, but we know it was seriously planned, and we don’t think it was just some teenagers out having fun,” Warden said. “We think it was some sort of hate in someone’s heart that motivates that.”
Warden and Caru Das moved to Utah in 1982, when they bought the property and the rights to the radio station. The temple hosts a Holi festival every March, which draws thousands to celebrate the arrival of spring by throwing colored powder.