Arson at New York Sikh Center, Gobind Sadan USA

December 19, 2001

Source: The Oswego Palladium-Times

On December 19, 2001, The Oswego Palladium-Times published the editorial "Alleged hate crime brings shame to county." It described the arson at Gobind Sadan as "a black eye for Oswego County." The crime "has drawn national media attention, while the investigation is being assisted by not only local law authorities, but state and federal officials as well. ... Oswego County District Attorney Dennis Hawthorne said, 'The seeds for such conduct of those arrested were planted in their minds for several years, possibly by an older family member or friend. These three are not the only ones responsible for this crime. The people who instilled those thoughts into their minds are also to blame.' ... This perpetuating cycle is what keeps racism and religious intolerance alive."