May 7 :
Shri Thanedar, a US Congressman of Indian descent, made a statement on X following the vandalization of his Detroit community centre with pro-Palestine graffiti. Photos of the damage and vandalism were also posted on the social media platform by Thanedar.

Around the Detroit building, the images depict Thanedar's face covered in a red X and the words "ceasefire," "Free Palestine," and "racist" scrawled on the walls. Reportedly, a police report was made, according to a spokesman from Thanedar's office.

I welcome any and all discussions and debates as a member of Congress. The destruction of the community centre is unfortunately not a unique incidence and does not serve as a constructive means of communication. "At a time when we need open dialogue and conversation, these acts are just adding fuel to the fire of fear and division," Thanedar wrote on X.

I am no stranger to counterproductive protest tactics; I have dealt with them before. In December, there was one that escalated into violence at a holiday party, and around three in the morning, there was another involving protesters near my house. "People in the hospital and my loved ones felt unsafe in their own bedrooms as a result of these incidents," Thanedar remarked. "In this case, a place designed to bring our community together was vandalised in a way that seeks to drive it apart."

"I have had meetings about this with everyone who requested a meeting on my website," the congressman said as he concluded his statement. In order to help my constituents feel heard on this matter, I have organised town hall meetings, Zoom meetings, and had direct conversations with them. I am always willing to have civil and fruitful conversations, but I will not tolerate this type of destruction.

Thanedar has lately brought attention to the increasing number of hate crimes perpetrated against the Hindu population in the United States. He has also voiced his unhappiness with the lack of progress made in these investigations.

He has taken action by proposing new laws denouncing Hinduphobia and media portrayals of Hindus as a whole. Despite making substantial contributions to the nation in many different areas, the group is nonetheless subject to bullying, with their houses of worship being singled out in particular, according to the law. There were 25 incidents of anti-Hindu hate crimes, according to a report released by the FBI on October 16, 2023. When compared to the prior year, the figure increased by almost 100% in 2022.

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Detroit community centre vandalism: Rep. Shri Thanedar condemns act and urges constructive discourse