India, Oct. 16 -- US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi feels the Indian-American community resolved to stand firm despite an attempted mass shooting targeting them in Aurora, Illinois.

Krishnamoorthi, who represents a district in the state, spoke to HT about the community gripped by fear but remained united. He blamed online vitriol fanned by President Donald Trump and his allies, criticised Republican silence, and urged Indian Americans to treat the upcoming midterm elections as a call to action. Edited excerpts:

Congressman, can you tell us about the initial reaction to the news of this attempted mass shooting among the Indian-American community?

We're shaken, as is the entire Indian American community. But we're strong and we're going...