A 19-year-old man has been arrested in the US state of Illinois for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, with investigators recovering a manifesto expressing white supremacist ideology and references to violence against people of Indian descent.
Alexandros Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, was arrested on October 11 and charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. A judge ordered him detained following a hearing at the Cook County Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows on Wednesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
The specific place of worship he allegedly intended to target has not been confirmed and remains under investigation, police said.
Police recover white supremacist manifesto, weapons
According to the Palatine Police Department, investigators examined electronic communications and a document attributed to Paporakis titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)”. The document contained "statements expressing white supremacist and extremist ideologies, including references to violence directed toward individuals of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent”.
Police said the investigation began on October 11, when the Mount Prospect Police Department alerted Palatine police to a potential mass shooting after an individual reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis.
Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered a rifle, multiple loaded rifle magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Police also found a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.
According to a report by NBC Chicago, Paporakis had allegedly planned a "mass shooting of Indian people" at a Hindu temple in Aurora. He reportedly drove from his mother's home in Palatine to the temple on October 11, carrying a modified AR-style rifle, ammunition, body armour and gasoline cans.
Investigators believe he tried to open fire, but his gun jammed, forcing him to return home. He allegedly searched online for instructions on how to unjam the weapon and contacted a co-worker, informing them of his intention to carry out a mass shooting. The co-worker alerted police, who arrested him before he could return to the temple.
According to the report, police said Paporakis showed up "to kill a significant number of Indians". The report also described him as "one malfunctioning rifle away from becoming a mass shooter".
Police said they were working with the FBI as the investigation continued, including a review of possible additional charges. Authorities have not identified any known ongoing threat to the public associated with the incident.
"The seriousness of this alleged threat cannot be overstated... Protecting our communities and places of worship remains a priority," Palatine Police Chief William Nord said.
FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Ryan Whalen said the agency aggressively works alongside its local and state law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle any threats of violence driven by radical ideologies.
Indian-American groups urge vigilance
The Consulate General of India in Chicago said it appreciated the timely action by law enforcement authorities and was in touch with members of the Indian diaspora while closely monitoring developments.
The arrest comes amid celebrations of Hindu festivals, including Navaratri and Durga Puja, and about two weeks after the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was vandalised.
In a social media post, the Hindu American Foundation commended law enforcement for its swift action.
"We also urge the community to stay vigilant and report any potential threat. Every community deserves to worship without fear,” it said.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) said the “disturbing plot" comes as Hindus gather in large numbers to celebrate Navratri, and just two weeks after an attack on a temple in Ohio.
“Hindu temples and all houses of worship must be sanctuaries of peace, prayer, and solace — NEVER targets of hate, violence, or terror. We thank law enforcement for their swift action in averting what could have been an unspeakable tragedy.
"We urge elected officials and law enforcement agencies to take the growing threats against Hindu places of worship seriously, strengthen protections, and unequivocally condemn Hinduphobia,” it said in a social media post.
The group called on temples and community organisations to review their security measures, remain vigilant, and promptly report suspicious activity.
“The freedom to worship without fear is a fundamental American right. It must be protected,” it said.