A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Illinois after allegedly planning an attack targeting Indians; investigators recovered firearms, ammunition and a document expressing white supremacist views
A potential mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, was thwarted after the suspect’s rifle reportedly jammed during an attempted attack, with a colleague’s alert subsequently helping police arrest the accused, according to US authorities.
Alexandros Paporakis, 19, a resident of Palatine, was arrested on October 11 on charges including making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a firearm. A judge has ordered him to remain in custody without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
Prosecutors allege that Paporakis told a co-worker on October 10 that he intended to kill Indians and attack what he described as the largest Hindu temple in Aurora. Investigators believe he may have targeted a Hindu place of worship in the area, although the specific temple has not been conclusively identified.
According to court records, the accused allegedly arrived near the intended location the following day carrying an AR-style rifle, about 300 rounds of ammunition, body armour and other tactical equipment. He reportedly attempted to fire the weapon, but it jammed, forcing him to leave the area.
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Investigators allege that the accused subsequently searched online for ways to repair the firearm and communicated with a co-worker about his failed attempt and plans to try again
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The colleague and another employee alerted the authorities, leading to his arrest by police from Palatine and Mount Prospect.
A search of the suspect’s residence reportedly uncovered an AR-style rifle without a serial number, loaded magazines, ammunition, body armour and items bearing Nazi symbols. Officers also recovered an eight-page document titled Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).
Prosecutors allege that the document contained white supremacist and neo-Nazi views, racist references to Indians and other minority communities, and plans for mass violence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation. Police said local Hindu temples had been contacted and that no continuing threat to the public had been identified.
The case has raised concerns among Indian-American communities about threats motivated by racial and religious hatred. However, the allegations against Paporakis remain unproven, and the investigation is continuing.
