US lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that anti-Indian hatred and white supremacist ideology can lead to deadly violence after police arrested a 19-year-old man accused of planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.Krishnamoorthi condemned the alleged plan, saying authorities and communities must take threats against Indian Americans seriously before anyone is killed. He also thanked the people who alerted authorities and the law enforcement officers who intervened.“I am horrified that a white supremacist allegedly attempted to massacre Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in Aurora,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.“This is where the poison of anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy can lead, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take it seriously,” he added.The lawmaker said every American should be able to practice their faith without fear and called for people to stand together against hatred.
What police say about the alleged temple attack plan
The case came to light on October 11, when the Palatine Police Department received information from the Mount Prospect Police Department about concerning electronic communications allegedly sent by Alexandros Paporakis.Investigators said Paporakis had shared a document describing a proposed mass shooting at a Hindu temple. He had also circulated images of a rifle, ammunition magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.The FBI examined electronic communications and a document attributed to the suspect titled “Why I Fought: A K A: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)”. According to investigators, it contained white supremacist and extremist views, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.Detectives believe Paporakis may have been preparing to attack on October 11, potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. Police contacted Hindu places of worship within their jurisdiction to warn them about the threat.
Suspect held after weapons recovered
Paporakis was arrested as he was leaving his residence. A subsequent search of his home led detectives to recover a rifle, multiple loaded magazines, hundreds of additional rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment.Police also found a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch bearing imagery associated with white supremacist extremism, as per ANI.Paporakis faces one count of making a terrorist threat, a Class X felony, and one count of unlawful possession of weapons. Following a detention hearing on Wednesday, a judge ordered him to remain in custody.
