Vandals shatter windows, leave graffiti on Hindu temple walls in Kent

Published 11:06 am Saturday, February 28, 2015

Reporter staff

Vandals broke several windows and scrawled the word “FEAR” on a wall at a Kent Hindu temple late Thursday night.

The FBI and Kent Police are investigation. Officials consider it a hate crime.

This was second such incident in recent days in the area. Earlier this month, vandals spray-painted a swastika and the words “get out” on a Hindu temple in Bothell.

Hindu spokesman Rajan Zed, in a statement released Friday, said that latest incident is shocking for a hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Hindu community to receive such signals of hatred and anger.

Followers of the temple are unsure whether they were targeted for their faith or if neighborhood teens were just causing trouble.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged administration for swift action to regain the falling confidence of the Hindu community.

Kent Hindu Temple (Sanatan Dharma Temple and Cultural Center), a nonprofit organization formed in 2002, opens daily. Besides regular worship services, it organizes festivals; Indian music, dance and language classes; yoga; and weekly children’s-parents’ activities.