India on Thursday expressed concern over a plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and urged US authorities to investigate and protect the Indian community.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, was “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,” he said.
Jaiswal said the incident added to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US. He called for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence and decisive action to ensure the Indian community’s safety.
“We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” he said.
19-YEAR-OLD HELD OVER PLOT
Police arrested Alexandros Paporakis, 19, a resident of Palatine, Illinois, on October 11. Investigators recovered an eight-page manifesto expressing white supremacist views and referring to violence against people of Indian descent, news agency PTI reported.
The investigation began after a person alerted Mount Prospect Police to concerning messages from Paporakis. Police said he had shared a document outlining a shooting plan, along with images of a rifle, magazines, body armour and tactical equipment.
Palatine Police said investigators believed he may have planned an attack on October 11, potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora. The intended location remained unconfirmed and under investigation.
RIFLE JAMMED DURING ATTEMPT, SAY REPORTS
US media reports said Paporakis drove nearly 40 miles from his mother’s home in Palatine to a Hindu temple in Aurora with a modified AR-style rifle, around 300 rounds of ammunition and body armour.
According to those reports, the rifle jammed when he tried to open fire. He then fled and searched online for ways to fix it.
Officers arrested him as he was leaving his residence. A search of his home yielded a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment, police said.
Paporakis faces one count each of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon involving a rifle. A judge ordered him detained after a hearing on Wednesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
Police said they were working with the FBI to determine whether further charges were warranted. Authorities said they had identified no known ongoing threat to the public linked to the case.
CONSULATE IN TOUCH WITH INDIAN COMMUNITY
The Indian Consulate in Chicago praised the “timely action” of US law enforcement authorities. “We are in touch with members of the Indian diaspora and are closely monitoring developments,” it said on X.
Indian-origin Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he was “horrified” by the mass shooting plot and thanked those who alerted authorities.
“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 said.
The Hindu American Foundation also welcomed the police action and urged the community to remain vigilant and report potential threats. It said every community deserved to worship without fear.
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