FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2026
Contact: Media@saldef.org
Nikhil Gupta Pleads Guilty To Plotting To Assassinate Sikh U.S. Citizen
Foreign-directed assassination plot underscores urgent need to protect constitutional rights of diaspora communities
Washington, D.C. – SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) acknowledges today’s guilty plea by Nikhil Gupta to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City. This case represents a chilling confirmation of what Sikh Americans have long warned about: the reach of transnational repression onto American soil.
“Today’s guilty plea validates the serious concerns our community has raised about transnational repression targeting Sikh Americans who exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful advocacy,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “No one in America should fear assassination for their political beliefs or advocacy. This case demands a comprehensive governmental response to protect all diaspora communities from foreign threats.”
This case is not isolated. SALDEF has documented and advocated against transnational repression tactics employed against Sikh Americans, including surveillance and intimidation of community members and activists; coordinated harassment campaigns targeting Sikh institutions and leaders; and attempts to influence U.S. policy through coercion rather than legitimate diplomatic channels.
As FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky stated, “The U.S. citizen became a target of transnational repression solely for exercising their freedom of speech.” This is the definition of an attack on American values and constitutional protections.
SALDEF has been at the forefront of combating transnational repression, including engaging federal agencies such as the FBI, Department of Justice, and State Department to ensure robust protection of Sikh Americans; advocating for legislative solutions to strengthen U.S. responses to foreign government interference; educating policymakers about the scope and nature of transnational repression affecting our community; and building coalitions with other diaspora communities facing similar threats.
While we commend U.S. law enforcement for bringing Gupta to justice, this guilty plea must catalyze further action: full accountability for all individuals involved, including any foreign government officials who directed this plot; diplomatic consequences for governments that engage in transnational repression on U.S. soil; enhanced protective measures for at-risk community members and activists; increased resources for investigating and prosecuting transnational repression cases; and legislative action to strengthen legal frameworks protecting diaspora communities.
“The targeting of American citizens by foreign governments represents an assault on our democracy and the fundamental freedoms we hold dear,” continued Gill. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every person in America can exercise their rights without fear of violence.”
SALDEF remains committed to protecting the civil rights and religious freedoms of Sikh Americans and stands ready to support community members facing threats. We urge anyone experiencing intimidation or threats to contact SALDEF and report incidents to the FBI.