India Demands US Action on Hindu Temple Attack Plot
Teen arrested over alleged attack plan in Illinois; MEA flags anti-Hindu hate
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called for stronger measures to prevent hate-motivated violence and ensure the safety of the Indian community.
The response followed the arrest of Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, Illinois, on October 11 over an alleged plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois. The reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing. We have taken note of the action taken by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest and detention of the suspect and the charges brought against him.”
“This incident adds to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US. There is a need for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence, and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community. We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” he added.
Palatine police said they were alerted on October 11 after an individual reported receiving disturbing electronic communications from Paporakis.
Investigators said the suspect had shared a document outlining an alleged mass shooting plan and images of a rifle, body armour and other tactical equipment.
Prosecutors said Paporakis subsequently told a co-worker that his rifle had jammed and that he had left the area quickly.
Police said detectives believed he may have planned an attack on a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, although the intended location had not been confirmed.
A search of his residence yielded a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment, including a vest bearing white supremacist imagery.
Investigators also recovered a document titled Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter's Manifesto), containing extremist views and references to violence against people of Indian origin.
Paporakis faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons.
The incident comes two weeks after the vandalism of the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio.
The Hindu American Foundation said, "We commend law enforcement for swift action. We also urge the community to stay vigilant and report any potential threat. Every community deserves to worship without fear."