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. The Ministry of External Affairs has sought a thorough investigation and stronger protection for Indian Americans living in the United States.
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. Paporakis travelled towards the area with an AR-style rifle, roughly 300 rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment, according to prosecutors. Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on October 11 after two colleagues at a Taco Bell restaurant alerted the police .
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.
He later contacted a colleague and claimed that the gun had jammed when he tried to use it, forcing him to leave. He allegedly sent a video showing the weapon failing to fire, along with a photograph of himself wearing a tactical vest, and discussed trying again after repairing the rifle. The two employees then called emergency services. Officers located Paporakis near his residence and arrested him later that afternoon.
Indian-American lawmaker condemns threat as suspect awaits court date
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. A judge has ordered him to remain in custody pending trial.
