Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, also known as Vadtal Dham, on Richmond Road in Richmond Heights was vandalized while priests and worshippers were inside Oct. 2 as perpetrators threw bricks at the windows of the building.

According to a post on X by the Hindu American Foundation, the incident, which occurred around 1:30 p.m., resulted in a pair of shattered windows. There were no injuries.

“This possible hate crime comes at a time of unprecedented hate and vitriol directed at the Hindu American community, and we ask that law enforcement make apprehending the perpetrator(s) a top priority,” HAF said in its post. “We also call on our nation’s elected leaders & government agencies to publicly and unequivocally condemn hateful rhetoric against Indian and Hindu American communities.”

Richmond Heights police have arrested a person allegedly involved in the vandalism, but no further information has been released as of Oct. 7.

The attack occurred during Hindu Heritage Month and a little over a week before Navaratri, an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, that spans over nine nights. In a statement posted to Facebook, U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Beachwood, said she was “deeply saddened” by the attack.

“Places of worship should always be treated with respect,” she said. “My thoughts and support are with the Hindu community in NE Ohio at this time. We must all condemn this and make sure our community remains safe and welcoming for all people.”