Hindu Temple Shooting Plot | Washington, Oct. 15: 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 place of worship near Aurora.
Police identified the suspect as Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a short-barrel rifle. A judge ordered him detained pending further court proceedings. His next hearing is scheduled for October 30.
Investigators believe the alleged attack may have targeted a Hindu temple in the Aurora area on October 11. However, police said the specific intended location remains unconfirmed. Authorities have not identified any continuing threat to the public in connection with the case.
Hindu Temple Shooting Plot | Rifle Allegedly Jammed During Planned Temple Attack
The investigation began after a person reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis. Police said the suspect had allegedly shared a document describing a mass shooting plan.
He also reportedly shared images of a rifle, loaded magazines, body armour and tactical equipment. Investigators later recovered a rifle, ammunition, tactical gear and other items from his residence.
According to prosecutors, Paporakis had expressed white supremacist views and hatred towards people of Indian descent. Police said a document attributed to him contained extremist statements and references to violence against South Asian communities.
Investigators also examined reports that the suspect had discussed his plans with co-workers. Prosecutors said he had described Sunday as a “special day” before the alleged attack.
According to accounts provided to investigators, Paporakis later told a co-worker that his gun had jammed. He allegedly said he left the location quickly without being seen. The circumstances surrounding the attempted attack remain under investigation.
#Police arresting 19-year old white supremacist who planned a mass #shooting targeting #Indians at a Hindu temple in Illinois.
Police identified the suspect as #AlexandrosPaporakis.
#USNews #Illinois #HinduTemple #FBI #HateCrime #CommunitySafety #IndToday #GlobalNews https://t.co/tiObzvZSY2
— indtoday (@ind2day) October 15, 2026
Police from Palatine and Mount Prospect coordinated the response and arrested Paporakis on October 11. The investigation involved the FBI, while Aurora police alerted Hindu places of worship about the potential threat.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact temple allegedly targeted. The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple is among the prominent Hindu places of worship in Aurora, but police have not officially identified it as the intended target.
Palatine Police Chief William Nord described the alleged threat as extremely serious. He said protecting places of worship remains a law enforcement priority.
According to the latest reporting, the heavily armed gunman was already at the Hindu temple and attempted to start shooting, but the gun jammed.
The man described himself as a “sociopathic white supremacist Neo-Nazi filled with hatred, fantasizing about mass murder nearly every day.”
Very disturbing details here:
https://t.co/G2aN90yTu8— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) October 15, 2026
The Hindu American Foundation praised the authorities for their response. It also urged community members to remain vigilant and report potential threats.
Meanwhile, the Balaji Temple management said it was communicating with Aurora police.
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It also announced additional security measures to protect devotees, employees and volunteers.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are reviewing evidence for possible additional charges. Paporakis remains in custody as the legal process continues.
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