Smashed window at Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Darbar

Charlotte, January 15

String of vandalism incidents at Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Darbar, Charlotte have shocked the community. Windows in the precincts of the Gurdwara Sahib were smashed, lights broken and security cameras were damaged. Within the last couple of months, there have been four incidents of vandalism at the Gurdwara Sahib. Our Civil Rights Director, Pushpinder Singh, reached out to the US Department of Justice — The FBI, The Community Relations Service, The US Attorney’s Office – Western District in this regard to express our concern. Our legal team has reached out to the Gurdwara management.

Vandalism at the Gurdwara Sahib has disturbing echoes of several such incidents, where our legal team has reached out to concerned authorities of the respective regions to help address the security concerns.

• In 2013, Los Angeles, California at the Riverside Gurdwara word “TERRORIST” was sprayed twice on the boundary walls of the Gurdwara. UNITED SIKHS contacted the local law enforcement, the Department of Justice CRS and sought thorough investigation.
• In 2015, an expletive-laced graffiti referencing Islam and the Islamic State was found on the walls and a tractor trailer at Gurdwara Singh Sabha Buena Park, Los Angeles, California.
• In 2016, in Gurdwara Sahib in Spokane, Washington, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was desecrated. A man broke into the Gurudwara Sahib and using ceremonial swords within the precincts of the Gurudwara, inflicted over $30,000 in damage to the building and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
• In 2017, Gurdwara Sahib in Calgary was vandalized by graffiti depicting a swastika, which is generally associated with symbols of racial hatred. UNITED SIKHS reached out to the local authorities and requested an increase in security around Gurdwaras in the future to help the community feel safe.
• In 2020, concrete sign in front of Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Center in Orangevale, California was  spray-painted with swastikas and the phrase “white power”.
• In September 2021, Khalsa Gurmat Center, school, and community center located in Federal Way, Washington–was vandalized and burglarized. Video surveillance from the building showed a suspect breaking in, ransacking the main hall and prayer area, breaking windows and electronic control panels, and stealing several computers and monitors on their way out.

UNITED SIKHS International Civil and Human Rights (ICHRA) continues to monitor hate crimes and provide legal assistance to safeguard the community’s rights worldwide.

We encourage the Sikh community to practice their faith and report any issues in their respective areas that burden the ability to practice their faith. Email us at law-usa@unitedsikhs.org to report any concerns.

To speak to a UNITED SIKHS representative directly, please visit this link here to find an office near you.

Jasleen Kaur
UNITED SIKHS

Recognize the Human Race as One