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U.S. Leaders, Indian American Lawmakers, and Community Organizations Condemn Kashmir Terror Attack That Killed 26 Tourists

by T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman
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US President Donald Trump has extended his deepest condolences to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir. 

The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left 17 others injured after gunmen opened fire on tourists visiting the Baisaran meadow, often referred to as “mini-Switzerland.”

In a phone call to Prime Minister Modi, President Trump expressed strong condemnation of the attack and offered full U.S. support to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

In a social media post, Trump said, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”

Prime Minister Modi, who cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi, issued a firm statement: “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, offering condolences to the victims’ families. Vowing justice, he declared, “They will not be spared. Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is currently visiting India with his family, also offered his sympathies: “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”

“The United States stands with India,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoing the sentiments. “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Nothing can justify such a heinous act killing tourists and civilians. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable.”

Indian American Lawmakers Respond

Several Indian American lawmakers condemned the attack and emphasized the need for unity in the fight against terrorism.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) said he is “heartbroken,” and added, “My prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn and grapple with this senseless violence. We must stand united against terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI) referred to early reports identifying The Resistance Front, affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, as the perpetrators. 

“It is no coincidence this attack comes during Vice President Vance’s visit to India,” he said. “This underscores the need for greater US-India ties and collaboration. We must use all channels to help bring the perpetrators to justice and hold those responsible accountable.”

Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) expressed his concern, stating he was “greatly disturbed by the terrorist attack,” and that his “thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted by this horrific event.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) said, “I stand with the people of India at this moment and offer condolences and prayers to the families of the victims.”

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) added, “I condemn this violent attack. My thoughts are with the victims, families, and all those affected. I am wishing all the families of the victims’ strength during this devastating time.”

Community Organizations Denounce Violence

Community organizations in the United States also expressed their outrage and grief.

Condemning the attack, Chairman of Sikhs of America, Jasdip Singh Jesse, in a statement noted “We are shocked and saddened by the senseless violence that unfolded in Pahalgam,” adding “This cowardly act of terror is not only an attack on the people of Kashmir but on the peace and stability of India as a whole. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

Calling “terrorism in any form is unacceptable,” he urged all communities, faiths, and nations to stand united to uphold peace, harmony, and the rule of law. “We urge the international community to condemn this attack and work collaboratively to dismantle the networks that support such violence,” he added. 

President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), Adapa Prasad, said, “We are deeply concerned by the persistent cross-border sponsorship of terrorism, which continues to foment violence and instability in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports of the deliberate targeting of specific communities, including Hindus, highlight a sinister agenda aimed at disrupting the social fabric and unity of India.”

OFBJP General Secretary Vasudev Patel added, “Such acts of terror serve no cause and only inflict suffering and grief. We call for swift justice against the perpetrators and urge that all necessary support be provided to the victims and their families.”

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) released a statement condemning the attack. It said, “We are heartbroken by the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where Hindu pilgrims were targeted, religiously profiled, and murdered, reportedly by a Pakistani Islamist terrorist outfit, according to preliminary reports.”

HAF further emphasized that Pakistan remains one of the world’s leading incubators of terrorism and urged a united stance between India and the United States to confront the threat.

Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) called it a “mindless slaughter,” noting “this incident is part of an ongoing wave of anti-Hindu violence that we are seeing -be it in Bangladesh or even in West Bengal.”

CoHNA appealed to lawmakers to issue a strong public condemnation and explore measures to hold accountable the institutions, groups, and individuals that foster and spread anti-Hindu hate.

Founder and Convenor of HinduPACT, Ajay Shah, said “The message from the terrorist state across India’s western border is clear. On behalf of American Hindus, we express our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims.”

Executive Director of Hindus Advancing Human Rights (HAHRI), Rahul Sur, added, “We stand unflinchingly with the families of the victims and call upon human rights organizations to unequivocally condemn this terrorist act. The world has been warned repeatedly about this Islamic fundamentalism. It must be crushed. It is time to sanction Pakistan.”

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