Illinois Teen Held After Alleged Hindu Temple Attack Plot

A judge ordered Alexandros Paporakis, 19, held after prosecutors described an alleged plan to shoot people at a Hindu temple near Chicago. Police say a co-worker’s warning led them to investigate. A search of Paporakis’s home turned up a rifle, ammunition, body armor and an eight-page document. His next court date is October 30. ^1,6

Police said the document, titled “Why I Fought,” described white supremacist and neo-Nazi views and referred to violence against people of Indian descent. Prosecutors say Paporakis had spent two years planning a mass shooting and focused on a Hindu place of worship in Aurora for about two months. On October 11, he allegedly drove to the temple in a red Acura, entered its parking lot and tried to shoot a man from his car. The rifle jammed, and he drove away. ^1,2,4

The rifle’s failure did not end the danger, prosecutors say. Paporakis later messaged co-workers that the gun had failed and that he planned to try again after fixing it. Two Taco Bell co-workers called 911, giving police time to arrest him before he could return, authorities said. The temple, Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, added armed security. US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi said he and his family were worshipping there that day and called for the FBI to investigate the alleged attack as a hate crime. ^4,6,11

The added security reflects fear among Hindu worshippers over the alleged plot, as well as wider concern about racist violence. India’s foreign ministry called the reported anti-Hindu and racist motive deeply disturbing and urged a full investigation. Police say they have found no known ongoing threat linked to the incident. Paporakis remains in custody and is due back in court on October 30. ^9,10,1