Full Notification

Newark, California (Friday, December 22, 2023) 

On Friday, December 22, 2023, at approximately 8:35 am, Newark Police received a report of graffiti at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple located at 36665 Cedar Boulevard. Officers responded and met with temple leaders who described the vandalism as meant to intimidate them. Based on the content of the graffiti it is believed that the defacement was a targeted act, and the vandalism is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority. Officers are investigating, collecting evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses in order to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice.

We would like to thank our community members for their continued support and the trust they place in our organization as we investigate this crime.

We stand united with our community and are urging community members with any information regarding this incident to come forward and speak with investigators.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Newark Police Investigations Unit Detective Sergeant Yama Homayoun at 510.578.4920 or via email at [email protected].

Information can also be left anonymously on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at 510.578.4965.

Captain Jonathan Arguello will be the point of contact for media inquiries. He can be reached at 510-578-4375 or via email at  [email protected]