Trumbull County, Ohio, USA: Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy emphasised that religious freedom is central to the American identity during a speech in Trumbull County, Ohio.

Speaking about the recent attack on Jewish worshippers at Bondi Beach in Australia, Ramaswamy shared in a video on X, “What makes our nation exceptional is that you can practice your faith freely—without fear of government interference or unpunished acts of violence.”

On December 14, 2025, a mass shooting took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration, leaving at least 15 people dead and many others injured. Officials reported that a father and son were allegedly responsible, with one of them deceased and the other hospitalised in critical condition.

Ramaswamy also highlighted the increased security outside religious sites, particularly synagogues, noting that the heightened police presence is helping communities feel safer.

“For Christians, Jews, Hindus, or followers of any faith, this country provides a rare chance to worship freely, without interference from governments or bureaucracies,” he said.

He stated, “This freedom lies at the core of what it means to be an American. To lose it would be to lose our very identity as a nation. While cultural changes have tested this value, safeguarding it remains essential.