BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalised with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday night. This is the latest instance of vandalism against the BAPS temples, less than 10 days after a similar act of desecration at one of their temples was reported in New York. The words "Hindus Go Back" were one of the unsettling messages written on the walls of the Sacramento temple, which alarmed the Hindu community in the area.

Taking to X, BAPS Public Affairs stated, “Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.” The graffiti was found at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, close to Rancho Cordova, and was reported to have been discovered by sheriff deputies, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. According to deputies, vandals had broken water lines on the property.

In response to the vandalism, US Representative Ami Bera—who represents Sacramento County—posted on X, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.” Rohit Khanna, an Indian-American lawmaker, stated, “This type of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law.”

Shri Thanedar, another Indian-American lawmaker, denounced the incident and stated that the US federal government must act right away. Taking to X, he said, “BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, CA was vandalised overnight with anti-Hindu slogans. Immediate action is needed from the DOJ. The people responsible for such hate be identified and prosecuted.”

The Hindu American Foundation, which advocates for pluralism, respect for human dignity, and mutual understanding, thanked Beri for bringing up the subject of hate crimes against Hindu temples. “Thank you @RepBera. The Hindu American Foundation said on X that “this vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime that targets a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Govt of India and telling Hindus to ‘go home’.”

The Indian Consulate General in New York denounced the earlier incident, which occurred on September 17 at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. Several US lawmakers had also denounced the event and demanded that the vandals be dealt with quickly.