The Ministry of External Affairs has sought a thorough investigation and stronger protection for Indian Americans living in the United States. India has urged the United States to take firm action against anti-Indian hatred after a 19-year-old man was arrested in Illinois for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple near Chicago.
Prosecutors said the suspect’s rifle jammed before two colleagues alerted the police to his alleged plans.
Police recover rifle, ammunition and racist manifesto
No injuries were reported in connection with the alleged plot. The exact temple targeted has not been officially confirmed. Palatine police said the specific intended location had not been confirmed Although court allegations refer to a large Hindu temple in Aurora.
The two employees then called emergency services. Officers located Paporakis near his residence and arrested him later that afternoon. Investigators also examined an eight-page document attributed to him and titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).
At a court hearing on October 14, prosecutors said Alexandros Paporakis had spoken openly at work about white supremacist views and hostility towards Indians. They alleged that on October 10, he told one colleague that he intended to target a large Hindu temple in Aurora, a Chicago suburb, the following day. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on October 11 after two colleagues at a Taco Bell restaurant alerted the police .
A search of the suspect’s home uncovered a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of additional rounds of ammunition, body armour and items bearing Nazi symbols, police said.
Indian-American lawmaker condemns threat as suspect awaits court date
A judge has ordered him to remain in custody pending trial. Paporakis faces one count of making a terrorist threat, a Class X felony under Illinois law, and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon involving a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches, a Class 3 felony. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
