Hindu American Foundation slams California senator for his statement after Pahalgam attack: Don't give us dismissive rhetoric

Hindu American Foundation slammed California senator Democrat Alex Padilla for his response statement after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indians were killed. The foundation said in his statement, the senator ignored the attack entirely and recycled some talking points attacking India's domestic policies.

"This response failed to mention decades of Pakistan-backed terror, choosing instead to echo USCIRF’s biased narratives – a body known for excluding Hindus and erasing Hindu victims of religious persecution."

Deeply disappointed by @SenAlexPadilla’s response to constituents after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where Pakistan-backed terrorists murdered 26 Indian civilians. Instead of standing with the victims, his response ignored the attack entirely, opting to recycle talking… pic.twitter.com/mfa6R4jlIo

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) May 13, 2025

"California is home to one of the largest Indian and Hindu American communities. When constituents reach out about terrorism, they deserve moral clarity and respect, not dismissive rhetoric that shifts blame onto the victims."

The senator, in his reply to the Hindu American Foundation, spoke about religious freedom, human rights in India and cited some figures without referring to the latest happenings in the region.

In contrast to California senator's response, the foundation posted the statement of Republican senator of North Carolina, Thom Tillis and appreciated his clarity on the issue " We are grateful for your steadfast support and for honouring the US-India partnership in the fight against terror. Thank you for standing on the right side of history," the foundation wrote for Tillis.

Thank you, @SenThomTillis, for standing firmly with the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir and for recognizing the importance of confronting radical terrorism.
The Hindu American community deeply appreciates your strong moral compass and the courage to confront… pic.twitter.com/a61T4dPAFh

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) May 13, 2025

Thom Tillis in his response to the Hindu America Foundation condemned the "targeting and butchering" of Indian citizens and tourists on April 22. "I share your concerns about the continued threat that radical Islamic terrorism poses at home and abroad," he wrote. "India has been a vital ally to the United States in the War Against Terror, and we must support our allies just as they have stood with us over the years," Tilis wrote.