A co-worker’s alert to police and a malfunctioning rifle reportedly helped law enforcement agencies foil a 19-year-old man’s alleged mass shooting plot, targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois, US.
Alexandros Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, a suburb of Chicago, was arrested on Sunday, October 11, after the Mount Prospect Police Department alerted Palatine police to information about a potential mass shooting, according to the Palatine Police Department.
Authorities allege that Paporakis travelled to the temple intending to “kill a significant number of Indians”, NBC Chicago reported, according to a newly filed court record. The accused allegedly attempted to open fire at the place of worship but fled after his gun jammed, later calling a colleague about his intent to carry out a mass shooting. The alleged target was the largest Hindu temple in southwest suburban Aurora. Authorities allege that he attempted to open fire but the rifle jammed, prompting him to leave the temple and drive back home. There, he allegedly searched online for instructions on how to unjam the weapon before calling a colleague and informing them of his intention to carry out a mass shooting.
His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30. The investigation was triggered after a co-worker reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis, Reuters reported.
Paporakis allegedly sent a co-worker an eight-page document titled “Why I fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)”, according to a court document obtained by AP. The messages reportedly included a document outlining an alleged mass shooting plan and photographs of tactical equipment. A judge ruled on Wednesday that Paporakis would remain in custody while awaiting trial.
