Following reports of an alleged shooting plot at an Indian temple in America, New York Mayor Hochul Mamdani called for unity against hate. Mamdani participated in the celebration of Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Vijayadashami with members of the Indian community in Queens, New York. During these events, he participated in Garba, attended Aarti, and offered prayers to the goddess Durga. He stressed that caring for one another and opposing hate is a shared responsibility of society.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Mamdani stated that he had the opportunity to celebrate these festivals with New York Indians. He noted that it was an honor to participate in the joy, faith, and community cohesion at the city's temples.
He said: 'We danced Garba, performed Aarti, played Sindur Khela, and worshipped Goddess Durga. It was an honor to gather with joy, faith, and community in our city's temples. Especially after the attempted mass shooting at an Indian temple in Illinois last week.'
The mayor mentioned the attempted attack on an Indian temple in Illinois last week. In his message, Mamdani called on everyone to unite to fulfill their shared responsibility to combat hate and care for one another.
Videos appearing on social media showed Mamdani dancing Garba with people of Indian descent, as well as participating in religious rituals at temples.
Mamdani's statement followed the case of an alleged mass shooting conspiracy at an Indian religious site in Aurora, Illinois. Nineteen-year-old Alexandros Paporakis, who is from Palestine, was arrested in this case. He faces charges of racist remarks and illegal possession of weapons.
According to authorities, during the alleged attempt to attack the temple on October 11, the suspect's automatic weapon jammed. He then allegedly returned home. However, the final determination of all facts and charges related to the incident will be made during the judicial process. The Indo-American member of parliament representing Illinois, Raja Krishnamurthy, also expressed concern over this incident.