[REVISION HISTORY]

Illinois Hindu temple mass shooting plot thwarted

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2026-10-17 05:46 UTC → 2026-10-21 14:37 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old from Palatine, Illinois, was arrested following an alleged plot to conduct a mass shooting at ~~a Hindu temple~~ the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora during Navaratri celebrations. Authorities state that Paporakis identified as a white supremacist and expressed hatred toward individuals of South Asian and Indian descent. The plot was reportedly thwarted when the suspect’s rifle jammed during an attempted attack. Following the malfunction, Paporakis returned home, where he allegedly sought instructions on clearing the jammed firearm. The investigation was prompted after a coworker alerted authorities regarding concerning electronic messages, a video of the malfunctioning rifle, and a document outlining a mass shooting plan. During a search of his residence, police recovered an AR-style rifle, tactical gear, body armor with white supremacist imagery, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators also found an eight-page manifesto titled ‘Why I Fought: A. K. A. : (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)’. Paporakis faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. In response to the incident, U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Rich McCormick sent a letter to the FBI and DOJ, stating that the plot did not emerge in isolation and highlighting a rise in hostility toward Hindu and Indian Americans. Aurora Mayor John Laesch issued a statement expressing deep sadness, emphasizing that “hate has no place in the community” and praising the tipster for saving lives. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also expressed deep concern regarding the racist nature of the plot.

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