Raja Krishnamoorthi

Hindu Temple Mass Shooting Plot Foiled In Aurora, Illinois; Suspect's White Supremacist Manifesto Surfaces

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Indian-American advocacy groups have called for action against anti-Indian hatred and white supremacist extremism after a 19-year-old man was arrested for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.

Krishnamoorthi warned that anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy could lead to deadly violence. The Indian American Advocacy Council urged the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to step up scrutiny of online influencers promoting anti-Indian extremism.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) also urged the community to remain alert after investigators reportedly recovered firearms, ammunition, body armour and a document expressing white supremacist views from the suspect's residence.

"I am horrified that a white supremacist allegedly attempted to massacre Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in Aurora. This is where the poison of anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy can lead, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take it seriously. I am grateful to the coworkers who sounded the alarm and the law enforcement officers who intervened. Every American deserves to live and worship without fear, and we must stand together against hatred in all its forms," Krishnamoorthi said in a post on X.

The Indian American Advocacy Council also called for greater scrutiny of online hate, warning that it could lead to violence.

"Following the mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple near Chicago, we urge the FBI and DOJ to intensify scrutiny of online hate influencers who promote anti Indian extremism. Online hatred can AND HAS escalate into real world terrorism. We CANNOT WAIT," the council said in a post on X.

The Hindu American Foundation highlighted the alleged extremist material recovered by investigators and urged people to report potential threats.

"Authorities say a 19-year-old allegedly plotted a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship. Police reportedly recovered a rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor and a manifesto expressing white supremacist extremism and hostility toward people of Indian descent. This comes during Navaratri when thousands of Hindus gather for Garba and also just two weeks after a Hindu temple in Ohio was attacked. We commend law enforcement for swift action. We also urge the community to stay vigilant and Report any potential threat. Every community deserves to worship without fear," the Hindu American Foundation said in a post on X.

Earlier, the Consulate General of India in Chicago appreciated the timely action taken by US law enforcement authorities. It said it was monitoring the developments and remained in contact with members of the Indian diaspora.

"The Consulate is aware of reports concerning a foiled attempt to target a place of worship in Aurora, Illinois. We appreciate the timely action by law enforcement authorities. We are in touch with members of the Indian diaspora and are closely monitoring developments," the Consulate General of India in Chicago said in a statement.

According to the Palatine Police Department, the suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested following an investigation into threats involving a possible mass shooting at a Hindu temple.

The investigation began on October 11, when the Mount Prospect Police Department contacted Palatine Police about information it had received concerning a potential mass shooting. The information came from a person who reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis.

Investigators said Paporakis had shared a document outlining an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at the temple. He had also allegedly shared images of a rifle, rifle magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.

Police located Paporakis and arrested him as he was leaving his residence. During a subsequent search, detectives recovered a rifle, several loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of additional rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation.

Among the items recovered was a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.

Investigators also examined electronic communications and a document attributed to Paporakis titled "Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)." According to police, the document contained statements expressing white supremacist and extremist views, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.

Detectives believe Paporakis may have been planning to carry out an attack on October 11, potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area.

Following the investigation, police contacted Hindu places of worship in their jurisdiction to alert them to the information.

Paporakis was charged with one count of Making a Terrorist Threat, a Class X felony, and one count of Unlawful Possession of Weapons. He appeared at a detention hearing on Wednesday, where a judge ordered that he remain in custody.

The arrest has prompted renewed calls from Indian-American political representatives and advocacy groups to address anti-Indian hatred and extremist rhetoric. The Indian Consulate in Chicago said it would continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with members of the Indian diaspora.

Anurag Kumar is an Assistant Editor at Times Now, where he leads the News Desk and Business Desk, driving coverage across politics, economy and market... View More