FBI Warns Sikh Separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of New ‘Imminent Threat’ to His Life

Prominent Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said the FBI visited his New York City home and warned him of an “imminent threat” to his life. The alert is linked to his possible travel to Canada for a non-binding Khalistan referendum organized by Sikhs for Justice in Edmonton on October 18.​

Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and vocal critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told CBS News that agents are investigating leads but provided no further details. He has also reported recent warnings from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about threats to his life and his Ontario residence.​

The latest warning follows a foiled 2023 murder-for-hire plot targeting Pannun in New York. U.S. prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta (who pleaded guilty) and alleged direction by a former Indian government employee; Gupta’s sentencing is scheduled for later this year.​

Pannun has stated he remains undeterred, emphasizing that the issue is the right to self-determination rather than personal survival. The FBI has not publicly commented on the specific warning.​