Criminals spray-painted swastikas and the words “White Power” on the stone marking the entrance to the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Center on Walnut Avenue in Orangevale.

ORANGEVALE, Calif. —A new Sikh Gurdwara in Sacramento County was defaced with racist graffiti.

Criminals spray-painted swastikas and the words “White Power” on the stone marking the entrance to the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Center on Walnut Avenue in Orangevale, reported KCR3 news outlet.

 “This is racism. This is a hate crime. This is unfortunately something no one should have to go through, no community, no religion,” said volunteer Dimplejeet Bhullar.

A neighbor walking his dog was the first to notice the graffiti Monday morning. He put a tarp over the sign to prevent anyone from seeing the racist vandalism.

Temple-goers said that kindness just makes this crime all the more shocking.

“We're a very peaceful religion. We accept all religions and expect that we would be perceived the same way,” Bhullar said.

Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Center celebrated its official grand opening on Sunday. Center officials said they are applying for grants to upgrade their security.

The racist vandalism has since been painted over.