Violent Attack On Hindu Priest In Queens Sparks Outrage

GLEN OAKS, QUEENS — Hindu community members are demanding that police investigate an attack on a Hindu priest in Queens as a hate crime.

The priest, Swami Ji Harish Chander Puri, was nearby the Hindu temple Shiv Shakti Peeth in Glen Oaks late Thursday morning when a man approached him from behind and started beating him, according to PIX11.

Police arrested 52-year old Sergio Gouveia for the assault, but investigators don't believe it was a hate crime, a police spokesperson told CNN.

Worshippers at the temple told PIX11 they believe the priest was targeted and said the attacker screamed, "This is my neighborhood."

Sadhana, a national coalition of progressive Hindus, released a statement Sunday calling on the NYPD to open a hate crime investigation.

"The remarks uttered by Swami Puri Ji's attacker are a blatant example of hate speech," the statement reads.

Elected officials in Eastern Queens will join Swami Ji at the Glen Oaks temple Tuesday to show solidarity and condemn the attack.

"In these times, when hateful rhetoric against religious minorities is in the national headlines, we must send the message that New York welcomes and protects people of all faiths, creeds, and colors," State Sen. John Liu said in a statement.