A suspected white supremacist from Illinois has been arrested over an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora. Police say disturbing messages and an extremist manifesto helped investigators uncover the alleged plan.
Suspect Arrested After Police Receive Warning
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Illinois, United States, over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, potentially targeting people of Indian origin.
The suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, was arrested on October 11 after authorities received information about threatening electronic communications he had allegedly shared. Police announced details of the investigation on October 14.
Manifesto Allegedly Expressed Hatred Towards Indians
Investigators said the suspect allegedly shared an eight-page document titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).” According to prosecutors, the document contained white supremacist and neo-Nazi rhetoric, including references to violence against Indians and other racial groups.
A co-worker reportedly alerted authorities after receiving disturbing messages and materials from the suspect. Prosecutors also alleged that he had expressed a desire to kill Indian people.
Rifle, Ammunition and Tactical Gear Recovered
During a search of the suspect’s residence, detectives reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment, including body armour.
Authorities believe the suspect may have been planning to carry out the attack on October 11. However, police have said the specific Hindu temple he allegedly intended to target has not been conclusively identified and remains under investigation.
Suspect Faces Felony Charges
Paporakis faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapons possession. A judge ordered him detained following a court hearing on October 14, and his next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
The FBI is assisting local law enforcement with the investigation. Authorities have not identified an ongoing public threat linked to the alleged plot.
Indian Consulate Responds
The Consulate General of India in Chicago said it was aware of reports concerning the alleged plot and appreciated the timely action taken by US law enforcement. The consulate also said it was in contact with members of the Indian diaspora and was closely monitoring developments.
The case has raised concerns about the safety of Hindu places of worship and the threat posed by racially motivated extremism. The allegations against the suspect remain subject to legal proceedings.