Nikhil Gupta Pleads Guilty To Plotting To Assassinate Sikh U.S. Citizen 

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.

Sikhs in Storytelling Captures Hearts in NYC!

Engaged Audience Members
Kaurs Reimagine Team
Storytelling for Change Panel

SALDEF’s groundbreaking Sikhs in Storytelling event in NYC was a resounding success! Over 100 attendees packed the Five Angels Theater for a night filled with captivating performances and insightful panels.

Sikh American creatives and local community members (the sangat) came together to share powerful stories and ignite a movement of cultural understanding. This event was a pivotal step in redefining the narrative of Sikh Americans through the power of storytelling.

Thank you to all who made this event a success!

Missed the event? Don’t worry! You can still experience the magic virtually! View the entire event via the recorded livestream below for FREE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 25, 2024

Contact: Amrita Kular | SALDEF Director of Communications, (202) 393-2700, media@saldef.org

SALDEF PRESENTS “Sikhs in Storytelling” for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in NYC

In a first of its kind event, Sikhs in Storytelling will gather world-renowned creatives to reignite the Sikh tradition of storytelling and reimagine mainstream narratives. 

New York, NY – This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is proud to present Sikhs in Storytelling, a captivating event that shatters stereotypes and celebrates the vibrant narratives of Sikh Americans.

This unforgettable evening, taking place on May 11 at 3 PM at Five Angels Theatre in New York City, will bring together a powerhouse lineup of CNN journalists, reporters, filmmakers, and social media influencers who are shaping the media landscape.

A Platform for Amplifying Sikh Voices

“Sikhs in Storytelling” offers a unique platform to showcase the diverse and impactful contributions of Sikhs in the media industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the journeys of these prominent figures, their creative processes, and how they are breaking barriers and fostering greater understanding of the Sikh community.

The event will also feature cultural performances, a networking session and notable speakers such as: 

  • Brahmjot Kaur, Entertainment Reporter NBC News and E! News Online 
  • Nardeep Khurmi, Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Director of the Film ‘Land of Gold’ on HBO Max
  • Harmeet Kaur, CNN Culture Writer
  • Nav the Poet, Spoken Word Poet, Videographer, Content Creator
  • Vish Singh, Award-Winning Animator, Filmmaker, Cartoonist

WHO: SALDEF and World Renowned Sikh Creatives

WHAT: Sikh storytellers and creatives come together in a first of its kind community event to reimagine mainstream narratives surrounding Sikh Amerians. For more information, please visit www.saldef.org/sikhsinstorytelling

WHEN: May 11, 2024 3PM-8PM 

WHERE: Five Angels Theater 789, 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

About SALDEF:

SALDEF (The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Based in Washington D.C., SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more, SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations.

SALDEF National Gala - October 12, 2013 - www.saldef.org/2013gala

Join us at the SALDEF National Gala in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 12, 2013, as we recognize Prabhjot Singh with the  SALDEF Youth Leadership Award.

Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Prabhjot Singh is the Director of Systems Design at the Earth Institute and Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.  He is the Chair of the One Million Community Health Worker Campaign, which is an initiative of the African Union and UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.  Domestically, he focuses on developing community-based health care delivery systems, where he is a practicing doctor in East Harlem. Prabhjot completed his MD at Cornell University and his PhD in Neural and Genetic Systems at Rockefeller University, with a Post-Doctoral fellowship in Sustainable Development at Columbia University. He is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Young Leader, Soros Fellow, and a Truman National Security Fellow.  His has written Op-Ed’s about hate-crime tracking for Sikhs (New York Times) and for Sikhs in the US Military (The Hill).

Free child care onsite and family photograph area available.

Buy Tickets Now to reserve your seat.

See Pictures and Learn More about last year’s sold-out gala!

SALDEF and Sikh Coalition work with Family to Respond (New York, New York) September 23, 2013 – State and federal law enforcement authorities in New York City are investigating an alleged hate crime Saturday evening in Harlem, New York City, that left a Columbia University assistant professor hospitalized.  Dr. Prabhjot Singh was attacked by a large group of teenagers who shouted “get Osama” and “terrorist” as they surrounded him on bicycles, pulling his beard and punching him. Shortly after the incident a Muslim woman was attacked a few blocks away. An ambulance rushed Dr. Singh to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he also works as a resident physician. Dr. Singh was hospitalized with displaced teeth, severe bruising and swelling, a small puncture in his elbow, and a possible fracture in his lower jaw. By Sunday evening, Dr. Singh was resting after surgery. “It’s clear that the associations between beards and turbans and terrorism are devastating for an entire community, so I want to continue working to show that core American values are core Sikh values as well,” said Dr. Singh. “Most importantly, I want it so that my 1-year-old has nothing to fear in this neighborhood.” Working together, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the Sikh Coalition have called on law enforcement officials, including the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack.  Both SALDEF and the Sikh Coalition are working with Dr. Singh and his family in New York. “This is a blow not just to Prabhjot and Sikh Americans, but to the ideals of all New Yorkers,” said Amardeep Singh, Program Director at the Sikh Coalition. “What happened did not happen in a vacuum. Here in New York City, we regularly receive reports that Sikh school children are called ‘Bin Laden’ or ‘terrorist’ by classmates and sometimes endure physical violence.” According to Sikh Coalition community surveys, approximately ten percent of respondents in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area have experienced bias-based assaults or property damage because of their Sikh identity.  Ajoint report published earlier this month by the Sikh Coalition and Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) found that bias-based bullying against Asian American children, including Sikhs, in New York City Public Schools has increased by 20 percent since 2009. “Unfortunately our research confirms that Prabhjot’s experience is not the result of isolated misperception and intolerance,” said Jasjit Singh, SALDEF’s Executive Director.  “Here you have a practicing doctor, a teacher and a community servant who was attacked simply because of how he looks . This violence is an affront to all Americans’ core values.” The incident comes less than two weeks after a national study showed 70 per cent of Americans misidentify turban-wearers in the U.S. as Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Shinto.   The study also showed that nearly half of Americans believe “Sikh” is a sect of Islam, and more associate the turban with Osama bin Laden than with named Muslim and Sikh alternatives. The study was conducted by Stanford University researchers and sponsored by SALDEF. As the investigation unfolds, we encourage the community to remain calm and offer prayers to Dr. Singh and his family for a speedy recovery.  Individuals with specific information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants are asked to contact the NYPD Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Low_Library_Columbia_University_8-11-06MEDIA ADVISORY: Press Conference: Columbia University Professor Hospitalized in Apparent Hate Crime
Contact: media@saldef.org
Editors Note: Please RSVP to media@saldef.org
Date: Monday, September 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: International Affairs Building, Columbia University, Room 1510, 1420 West 118th Street
Speakers: Prabhjot Singh, victim
Amardeep Singh, Sikh Coalition
Jasjit Singh, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)
(NEW YORK, NY  Sept. 22, 2013)  State and federal law enforcement authorities in New York City are investigating an alleged hate crime this weekend that left a Columbia University assistant professor hospitalized.  Dr. Prabhjot Singh says he was walking Saturday evening in Harlem when a large group of teenagers shouted “get Osama” and “terrorist” as they surrounded him on bicycles and then attacked him.  Singh wears a turban and beard in adherence to his Sikh faith.  Sikhism is an independent religion which originated in and around India.
“There were about twenty of them,” said Dr. Singh, who is an assistant professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.  “A few surrounded me, started punching me and pulling my beard.”  The attack occurred near 110th St. and Lennox Ave.  Shortly after the incident a Muslim woman was attacked a few blocks away.  There were several witnesses to both incidents.
An ambulance took Singh to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he also works as a resident physician. Singh was hospitalized with displaced teeth, severe bruising and swelling, a small puncture in his elbow, and a possible fracture in his lower jaw.  By Sunday evening he was resting after surgery.
“This is a tremendous blow not just to Prabhjot and Sikh Americans but to the ideals, we believe, of all New Yorkers,” said Amardeep Singh, program director of the Sikh Coalition.  “What happened did not happen in a vacuum.  Here in New York City we regularly receive reports that Sikh school children are called ‘Bin Laden’ or ‘terrorist’ by classmates and sometimes endure physical violence.”
The incident comes less than two weeks after the first-ever nationwide public perception assessment of Sikh Americans, titled “Turban Myths,” showed 70 per cent of Americans misidentify turban-wearers in the U.S. as Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Shinto.  Nearly all turban-wearers in the U.S. adhere to Sikhism.  The study also showed that nearly half of Americans believe “Sikh” is a sect of Islam, and more associate the turban with Osama bin Laden than with named Muslim and Sikh alternatives.  The study was conducted by Stanford University researchers and sponsored by SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund).
“Unfortunately our research confirms that Prabhjot’s experience is not the resulted of isolated misperception and intolerance,” said Jasjit Singh, SALDEF’s executive director.  “Here you have a practicing doctor, a teacher and a community servant falling victim to hate in the largest and proudest melting pot in America. This violence is an affront to all Americans’ core values.”
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the assault.

SikhVOTE - Our Voice. Our Nation. Our Vote. Who can make the Sikh American voice heard? You. You can do a lot in your own community to empower Sikhs across America. One of the easiest things to do is encouraging people to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Earlier this year, volunteers around the country joined SALDEF to launch SikhVOTE, a national, non-partisan project to increase Sikh American voter registration, engagement, and turn out. College students and SikhLEAD alumni are in the middle of voter registration campaigns in eight states across the country aimed at increasing the number of Sikh American voters. SikhVOTE - Register to Vote Online at www.saldef.org/voteIn 1923 the Supreme Court said Sikhs could not become citizens –we could not vote and were denied a voice in our country. Today, we have the right to vote, the right to share our voice and determine the direction of our nation, but estimates put our rate of registration at one of the lowest in the country. Register to vote today to protect your rights in the future. TAKE ACTION: Raise the Voice of Your Sangat – Join SikhVOTE Join SikhVOTE volunteers in California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and elsewhere around the country by registering new voters and encouraging voters in your community. To help SikhVOTE has created a set of resources for you to use:

  • Step by Step Voter Registration Drive Toolkit
  • Online Voter Registration Application
  • Posters, Handouts, and Resources in English & Punjabi
  • Voter Rights Resources
  • And More!

All of these items are available at www.saldef.org/vote. We will be updating that website with more resources for use as Election Day gets closer. Please contact info@saldef.org for more information or assistance in setting up your voter registration program, to share why voting is important to you, or to share pictures of your voter engagement team in action. SikhVOTE is a project of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) with the purpose of empowering Sikh American voters. SALDEF is a 501(c)3 non-partisan organization that does not advocate on behalf of any party, candidate, or campaign. Use of these materials does not constitute an endorsement by SALDEF or its partners, APALC, APIAVote, or 18 Million Rising.

SALDEF urges community to remain vigilant and aware of surroundings Washington, DC – August 26, 2008: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, is shocked and concerned about the number of violent attacks against Sikhs across the United States in recent weeks. The Incidents Phoenix, Arizona: On August 4, 2008, Mr. Inderjit Singh Jassal was working at a 7-11 store in West Phoenix when 27-year-old Jermaine Canada walked in with his two children, aged 2 and 6. According to the surveillance video, Mr. Singh and Mr. Canada had a short conversation, at the end of which Mr. Canada pulled a concealed firearm from his shirt and shot and killed Mr. Jassal. New York City: On August 8, 2008, the dead body of a homeless man was found in front of a Gurdwara in Richmond Hill, New York. Published articles report that the victim was violently beaten to death to the point of being almost unrecognizable as he lay in a pool of blood. Media reports indicate that the homeless man was a Sikh, but this has not yet been confirmed. Oxnard, California: On August 16, 2008, Gurmohinder Singh, an owner of multiple convenience stores in California was shot and killed by 22-year-old Jeffery Aguilar as he walked out of the US Bank in Oxnard California. In each of these crimes where a motive has yet to be determined, SALDEF representatives are leading efforts to ensure that hate and bias are explored as possible motives until evidence shows otherwise. “Each time a violent crime occurs against a member of the Sikh community, we must stand together to ensure that the police investigation is conducted in a thorough and comprehensive manner,” said SALDEF Managing Director Kavneet Singh. “In too many cases, Sikh Americans have been victims not only of a crime, but also of incomplete police investigations. We strive to ensure that all criminal investigations involving victims are taken seriously and conducted expeditiously.” SALDEF Responses Phoenix, Arizona: SALDEF representatives worked with local community members to help facilitate dialogue between the community and law enforcement. SALDEF also aided the victim’s family in efforts to obtain travel documents for his family to India. New York City: SALDEF immediately connected with the NYPD to ensure the investigation is conducted appropriately. Additionally, SALDEF has partnered with the National Coalition for the Homeless ito help bring awareness to crimes against the most vulnerable members of our community. Oxnard, California: SALDEF is working with local community members to ensure that their concerns are addressed. SALDEF has also contacted law enforcement officials to ensure that the assailant, who was arrested, is convicted to the fullest extent of the law. “While these instances have occurred in quick succession over the past several weeks, we do not see this as indicative of a trend,” said SALDEF National Director Rajbir Singh Datta. “It is though a striking reminder of the presence of hatred and the lack of awareness in our country.” SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly toll free at 877-917-4547 or via email at info@saldef.org. We all have a responsibility to ensure our freedom from harassment and discrimination. Please distribute this widely to family, friends and at the local Gurdwara

Washington DC, August 31, 2006 – The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) today condemns comments made by Wisconsin U.S. House of Representative’s Republican Candidate Paul R. Nelson indicating that individuals who wear a turban and individuals named Mohammed are directly related with terrorism.

During an interview with Jeff Petersen of Wisconsin’s WIXK radio, Mr. Nelson suggested that Muslim males ought to be singled out, by airport security. “Racial profiling is one way that we can cut down on security risks,” said Nelson.

When asked to describe what a Muslim male looks like, Nelson responded “well, you know, if he comes in wearing a turban and his name is Mohammed, that’s a good start.”

In response to this outrageous statement, SALDEF has written a formal letter demanding an apology from Mr. Nelson and his campaign for his irresponsible and racist comments along with his public support of profiling suspects solely based on their physical appearance.

Additionally, SALDEF in conjunction with a diverse group of 30 organizations from across the country issued a joint letter yesterday to Mr. Nelson in opposition to his statements. Additionally, a similar joint opposition letter was sent to Congressman Pete King (R-NY), New York Gubernatorial candidate John Faso and Florida Congressional candidate Mark Flanagan for their flagrant support of racial profiling.

There are over 1.2 billion Muslims across the world who come from all races, ethnicities and national origins. Additionally, the vast majority of individuals wearing turbans in the United States are adherent’s of the Sikh faith. Any attempt to associate Sikh Americans and the entire Muslim community with terrorism shows a blatant use of racist policy and complete disregard for the diversity in American society.

“Supporters of racial profiling offer a dangerous view of law enforcement and only seek to criminalize a certain part of the community due to their perceived or actual religious or cultural affiliation,” said SALDEF President Mirin Kaur Phool.  “Mr. Nelson’s support of racial profiling seeks only to demean a certain segment of society rather than truly support national security efforts to keep American’s safe.”

Law enforcement and terrorism experts, including the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denounced racial profiling as ineffective and a waste of government resources. Racial profiling as a policy would spread National Security resources thin and force officials to investigate innocent civilians while possibly allowing credible security threats, who do not conform to government stereotypes, to go unchecked.

Additionally, efforts to legitimize racial profiling as a viable policy have resulted in misguided citizens conducting their own policing operations and either acting on their bigotry or exacting revenge on innocent individuals across the country.  Sikh Americans have been subject to over 800 reported hate crimes and bias related incidents since the tragic attacks of 9/11.

Most recently on July 30 an innocent 66-year old Sikh American gentleman in San Jose, California was stabbed in the neck by a 25 year old assailant who thought, due to his turban and beard, he was a member of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.