Teen Arrested After Allegedly Threatening to Kill Indian People in US

A tip from a concerned co-worker helped US authorities thwart an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in suburban Chicago, Illinois, after police arrested a 19-year-old man accused of threatening to kill Indian people.

The suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on Sunday, October 11, after co-workers alerted police to disturbing messages and communications in which he allegedly discussed plans for a violent attack. Authorities announced the arrest on Wednesday, October 14, as investigators continued examining evidence recovered from his home.

According to prosecutors, Paporakis told a colleague that he “couldn’t wait to kill Indian people” and indicated that Sunday would be a “special day.” He allegedly later told the co-worker that his gun had jammed during an attempted attack and that he had fled the scene.

Police said surveillance footage showed a vehicle registered to Paporakis entering the car park of a large Hindu temple in Aurora, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago, on Sunday afternoon. The vehicle reportedly remained there for approximately 13 minutes before leaving. Investigators have said the precise intended target remains under investigation.

A search of the suspect’s residence uncovered an AR-style rifle without a serial number, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment and a vest containing body armour. Authorities also reported finding a patch bearing imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.

Prosecutors said Paporakis had shared an eight-page document outlining an alleged mass-shooting plan and containing racist and extremist statements targeting South Asians and other non-white groups.

He faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapon possession. A judge ordered him detained pending further proceedings, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 30.

The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora said it had increased security, including an additional armed security presence, and was cooperating with law enforcement.

The alleged plot has raised concern among Hindu and Indian-American communities about threats against places of worship. India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the incident as deeply concerning, highlighting what it called its anti-Hindu and racist nature and urging US authorities to investigate thoroughly.

The FBI is assisting local police with the investigation. Authorities have not reported any deaths or injuries connected to the alleged plot.

The case remains at an early stage, and the allegations against Paporakis have yet to be tested at trial. His defence has urged the public to remember that criminal allegations can change as proceedings continue.