SALDEF Stands with the Hindu American Community  Following Anti-Indian Mass Shooting Plot at Illinois Temple

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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The annual Sikh Community of Southern California Vaisakhi Celebration will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, April 7th from 7am – 6pm

The program consists of a Kirtan Darbar (a day of sacred and spirited musical held in the royal court of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Guru of Sikhs) and a Nagar Kirtan (a traveling Kirtan parade with Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) encompassing a two-mile route in downtown L.A. The Kirtan Darbar begins at 7 am and continues until 6 pm.

SALDEF’s Advocacy Makes Major Strides on Capitol Hill

We are thrilled to share some exciting progress in our fight against transnational repression, a critical issue impacting Sikh Americans. Through ongoing engagement with Congressional and federal government allies, SALDEF has secured significant momentum on Capitol Hill.

Positive Developments:

  • Bipartisan Support: Our efforts to engage lawmakers continue to yield positive results. We’re excited to announce that Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL) and Kevin Mullin (CA) have joined the ranks of co-sponsors for the Transnational Repression Policy Act. This growing bipartisan support demonstrates the increasing recognition of this crucial issue and support for the Sikh American community, and is a direct result of SALDEF’s lobbying.

Take Action: Urge President Biden and his administration to prioritize addressing transnational repression and its impact on Sikh Americans and all American communities. By advocating for policies and legislation that counter transnational repression, we can ensure that Sikh Americans can live and thrive in America without fear, free from the shadows of foreign intimidation.

With reports of Sikh Americans facing specific instances of transnational repression, including threats, harassment, and even attempted violence, we must work to expose these threats, advocate for justice, and ensure the safety and security of the Sikh American community.  Together, we can ensure that the Administration understands the immediate concerns of the Sikh community and also the broader implications for American democracy.

“This is America.  And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable.  The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are.  The writ of the Founders must endure.” What ever your opinion about the proposed Islamic Center in Manhattan which prompted these remarks, these are some very powerful and true words from the President. Read the remarks given by President Obama.