In response to a surge in hate crimes against Hindus in the United States, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with members of the Samosa Caucus, has penned a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking clarity on its strategy to address these alarming incidents. The letter, dated March 29, urges the DOJ to provide a briefing by Thursday, April 18, shedding light on the status of investigations and law enforcement coordination efforts.
The letter, addressed to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, underscores the disturbing rise in vandalism incidents targeting Hindu temples or mandirs across the nation. The signatories, including prominent Bharatiya-American lawmakers such as Ro Khanna, Parmila Jayapal, Ami Bera, M.D., and Shri Thanedar, express deep concern over the lack of progress in identifying suspects, leaving Hindu communities living in fear and intimidation.
Highlighting the collective anxiety among Hindu Americans, the letter emphasizes the need for improved coordination between local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. It stresses the importance of federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law and calls for swift action to address the growing threat of hate crimes targeting religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in the country.
The lawmakers emphasize that the proximity and frequency of these attacks raise troubling questions about potential linkages and underlying motives. They stress the detrimental impact of even a few coordinated acts of hate on a marginalized community, urging collaborative efforts to combat hate in all its forms.
In their plea to the DOJ, the lawmakers seek a detailed understanding of the department’s strategy specifically concerning hate crimes against Hindus in the United States. Given the urgency of the situation and the escalating concerns within Hindu communities, they request a briefing no later than Thursday, April 18th, to address these pressing issues and chart a path forward towards ensuring the safety and security of all Americans, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
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