Illinois Teen Charged Over Plot to Attack Hindu Temple in Aurora

A 19-year-old from Palatine, Illinois, was arrested Sunday after a co-worker alerted police to his plans to kill minorities. Alexandros Paporakis faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons.

Palatine Man Held After Co-Worker Reported Mass Shooting Plans

A 19-year-old from Palatine, Illinois, is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a colleague raised the alarm about his expressed hatred toward racial minorities and detailed plans for a violent attack. NBC News reports that Alexandros Paporakis was arrested on Sunday and charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons.

Investigators say Paporakis possessed an AR-style rifle, approximately 300 rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear at the time of his arrest at his Palatine apartment. Prosecutors allege he had stated his intention to kill as many minorities as possible.

Manifesto and a targeted house of worship

Court documents reveal that Paporakis wrote an eight-page manifesto containing racially charged slurs and specifically targeting people of Indian descent at a Hindu house of worship. He pledged, according to prosecutors, that he would die in the attack — but not before causing maximum casualties among minority victims.

Pretrial detention documents obtained by ABC7's I-Team show that Paporakis described himself as a "sociopathic white supremacist Neo Nazi filled with hatred." The same documents state that he drove to a location and attempted to fire his weapon at a man, but the gun jammed. Court records indicate he had been planning the attack for two years.

Palatine police believe the intended target was a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and subsequently notified the Aurora Police Department of the potential threat.

Co-worker's alert proved critical

The arrest was triggered by a Taco Bell co-worker in Arlington Heights, where Paporakis was employed. Investigators say Paporakis became increasingly erratic over the weekend, eventually sending his colleague a video of an AR-style rifle and a photograph of himself wearing a tactical vest. The co-worker then contacted police.

John Cohen, former DHS Intelligence Chief and ABC News contributor, said the intervention likely prevented a tragedy. "It's highly likely that were it not for the quick action and the investigative activities of the local law enforcement authorities, we very may well have had yet another mass shooting in this country," Cohen said.

Cohen added that individuals planning attacks almost invariably exhibit warning signs beforehand. "What we have actually found is that in almost every case, an individual who is planning an attack will exhibit behaviors, either online or in the physical world, that represent an articulation of intent to engage in violence," he said.

Mental health concerns and family circumstances

Prosecutors say Paporakis has a history of mental health issues and lived with his mother, whom they say failed to prevent him from making violent plans and acquiring a firearm.

Cohen called for greater public awareness and more resources for local authorities. "We need to do a better job educating the public on what to look for and what to report, and we need to do a better job and provide more resources to localities so that they can rapidly take steps to prevent the shooting from occurring," he told ABC7's I-Team.

Political and community reaction

Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid issued a statement Wednesday evening expressing solidarity with the city's Hindu community. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the reported attempted shooting targeting devotees at the Hindu temple in Aurora. No one should ever feel unsafe while practicing their faith or gathering in a place of worship or anywhere," she said, commending law enforcement for their response.

Illinois U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the alleged plot in strong terms. "I am horrified that a white supremacist allegedly attempted to massacre Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in Aurora. 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," Krishnamoorthi said. He expressed gratitude to the co-workers who raised the alarm and to the officers who intervened.

Court proceedings ongoing

Paporakis appeared in court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody. His next court date is scheduled for the end of the month. Palatine police said they are continuing to verify key details about the actions he may have taken and whether a specific location had been confirmed as his target. The investigation remains open.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)