FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2026
Contact: media@saldef.org
SALDEF Stands with the Hindu American Community Following Anti-Indian Mass Shooting Plot at Illinois Temple
WASHINGTON, D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) stands in solidarity with the Hindu American community following an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. This alarming act of anti-Indian hatred is a stark reminder that religious freedom is under threat when communities fear violence simply for gathering in worship.
According to authorities, on Sunday, October 11, a 19-year-old suspect traveled to a Hindu temple with an AR-style rifle and ammunition. Prosecutors allege that he attempted to open fire before his weapon malfunctioned. Investigators subsequently recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment, and writings expressing white supremacist ideology and an intent to commit a “mass shooting of Indian people.” The suspect was arrested after a coworker alerted police.
The evidence described by investigators points to targeted, anti-Indian violence and a direct threat to religious freedom. The deliberate targeting of a house of worship is intended to instill fear in an entire community and undermine its ability to practice its faith freely.
“No one should have to fear for their safety or their lives while gathering to worship and practice their faith,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “The targeting of a Hindu temple is not only an act of anti-Indian hatred, but also an attack on the fundamental promise of religious freedom in America. Violence against a place of worship sends fear far beyond its walls, threatening the sense of safety and belonging that every community deserves. We stand in solidarity with the Hindu American community and affirm that everyone deserves the freedom to gather, pray, and practice their faith without fear.”
We commend the individual who reported this threat and the law enforcement agencies whose swift response helped prevent a potential tragedy. This case underscores the critical importance of community vigilance, timely reporting, and coordinated action to prevent targeted violence.
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