The Swaminarayan temple attack in Ohio damaged windows at Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham in Richmond Heights while priests and devotees were inside. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage as Hindu groups call for an investigation.
A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was attacked with bricks on Friday, October 2, 2026, shattering windows while priests and devotees were inside, according to Hindu advocacy organizations.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. local time at the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir, located in Richmond Heights in the Greater Cleveland area. No injuries had been reported in information available following the attack.
Surveillance footage reviewed after Ohio Hindu temple attack
The Hindu American Foundation, or HAF, said surveillance footage from the temple was available and being reviewed by authorities. The organization said it had been communicating with temple leaders and that the FBI and civil rights authorities were being alerted.
As of Saturday, October 3, 2026, no suspect had been publicly identified and no arrest had been announced in reports reviewed. Authorities had also not publicly established whether religious bias motivated the attack.
Hindu organizations urge action after Richmond Heights incident
HAF described the vandalism as a possible hate crime and called for law enforcement to prioritize identifying those responsible.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America, or CoHNA, also urged Richmond Heights officials and local police to respond to the incident. The organization said bricks shattered windows while priests and some devotees were inside the temple.
Attack occurs during Hindu Heritage Month
The incident occurred at the beginning of October, when Hindu organizations and communities mark Hindu Heritage Month. Community groups also pointed to upcoming Navratri observances while discussing security concerns surrounding the attack.
Hindu organizations have previously documented vandalism at Hindu temples and religious sites elsewhere in the United States. Investigators are now reviewing available evidence from the Richmond Heights incident, including surveillance footage, as authorities work to identify those responsible and determine the motive.
