US Teen Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Attack Hindu Temple Near Chicago; Rifle Reportedly Jammed

Teen Arrested Over Alleged Hindu Temple Attack Plot

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in the United States over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting that may have targeted a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois, near Chicago.

The suspect, Alexandros Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, was taken into custody on the evening of October 11 after an investigation into a reported mass shooting threat. According to police, investigators believe he may have been planning an attack on a Hindu place of worship that day.

Paporakis appeared at the Cook County Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows on Wednesday, where a judge ordered him detained. His next hearing is scheduled for October 30.

Police Probe Began After Report of Shooting Plan

According to investigators, the probe began after an individual reported that Paporakis was allegedly planning a mass shooting. The suspect had reportedly shared a document describing an alleged attack plan, along with images of a rifle, magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.

Police said Paporakis had allegedly told his Taco Bell co-workers that Sunday would be “a special day.”

Investigators also reported that he called a co-worker on October 11 and said his gun had jammed and that he had left the location quickly without being seen.

Authorities have not independently established the exact location the suspect allegedly intended to target. However, investigators believe a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area may have been among the potential targets.

Manifesto Allegedly Contained White Supremacist Views

During the investigation, detectives examined electronic communications and a document reportedly attributed to Paporakis and titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter's Manifesto).”

According to police, the document contained white supremacist and extremist ideologies, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.

Police from Palatine and Mount Prospect coordinated efforts to locate the suspect. He was reportedly taken into custody while leaving his residence on the evening of October 11.

A subsequent search of his residence allegedly uncovered a rifle, multiple loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment and other items considered relevant to the investigation. Officers also reportedly found a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch associated with white supremacist extremism.

Suspect Faces Terrorism and Weapons Charges

Paporakis has been charged with one count of making a terrorist threat and one count of unlawful possession of weapons. The weapons charge reportedly concerns a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches.

The Palatine Police Department said it is working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as investigators examine the evidence and consider whether additional charges may be warranted.

Authorities have stated that there is no known ongoing threat to the public associated with the incident.

Palatine Police Chief William Nord described the alleged threat as serious and said protecting places of worship remains a law enforcement priority.

Hindu Temples Increase Security Measures

According to the report, the Aurora Police Department was notified of the potential threat. Palatine and Mount Prospect police also coordinated outreach to Hindu places of worship in their jurisdictions to inform them about the investigation.

The Hindu American Foundation praised law enforcement for its response and urged members of the community to remain vigilant and report potential threats.

The foundation also claimed in a post on X that the suspect had reached a Hindu temple and attempted to begin shooting before his firearm jammed. This account has been attributed to the organisation; the exact circumstances and intended location remain under investigation.

Meanwhile, the management of the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora said it was aware of the situation and had been in direct communication with local police.

The temple announced additional security measures, including an increased armed security presence from 9 am to 9 pm, while reiterating that the safety of devotees, employees and volunteers was its highest priority.

Investigators continue to examine the evidence to establish the suspect's alleged plans and intended target.