Alderwoman says Hindu community ‘shocked’ by attempted mass shooting at Aurora temple
When Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid heard of the attempted mass shooting at her hometown Hindu temple her reaction was utter disbelief.
“Absolutely, I was so shocked,” said Baid, who five years ago become the first Indian American to be elected to the Aurora City Council. “I'm also deeply disturbed by the news.”
That’s also the pervasive feeling in Aurora’s growing Indian American community.
Aurora is home to two Hindu temples, and Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic communities there. The community marks two Hindu festivals — Navarathri and Diwali — in October and November.
Thousands of worshippers typically gather at Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple — one of the oldest Hindu temples in the suburbs — for the nine-day Hindu festival of Navarathri that began Sunday, Baid said.
“It is one of the most visited temples in the U.S., too,” Baid said. “That’s what some of the temple officials told me.”
Baid had intended to visit the temple at 1145 Sullivan Road on Sunday morning with her 17-year-old daughter, Vasundhara, for the start of the Navarathri Mahotsavam celebration. Her plans changed when she was invited to someone’s house for prayers instead.
That’s when a 19-year-old Palatine man attempted to carry out an attack that was foiled when his gun jammed, according to authorities.
“It is just crazy what could have happened there,” Baid said. “They've never faced anything like this before. And they have a security guard present all the time. A lot of people visit this temple so we felt very safe (there). I’ve never heard from anybody who have said they haven't felt safe there.”
In recent years, the temple has expanded considerably and is a place for gatherings beyond religious festivals. It even draws people from out of state, Baid said.
“It has become really a big place for a lot of community medical camps and educational things,” Baid said. “It is a popular destination.”
A temple official said Thursday a statement was sent out in an email blast reassuring community members that safety measures are being enhanced. Festivities have continued unimpeded and conclude on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
mkrishnamurthy@dailyherald.com