Washington, July 31

A Sikh gurdwara in Riverside, California has been vandalised in an apparent hate crime with the word 'TERRIST!' in capital letters spray painted around the complex, according to a community organisation.

Citing community members, the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), said Tuesday vandalism occurred sometime during the July 29/30 night.

SALDEF said it's in contact with Riverside County Sheriff Department, the Riverside Police Department, the FBI and Department of Justice urging them to investigate the incident as a hate crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

SALDEF Executive Director Jasjit Singh said, "It is horrible to see an attack of hate on a place of worship as we reflect on the lives lost one year ago during the attack on the Oak Creek Gurdwara" in Wisconsin where six Sikh worshippers were shot dead by a white supremacist gunman.

Asking local and federal law enforcement agencies to rightfully classify the incident as a hate crime, he said: "Attacks and vandalism against any of the nation's houses of worship must be condemned by all Americans."

By: IANS