A 19-year-old Illinois resident has been arrested over an alleged mass shooting plan that investigators believe may have targeted a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. Alexandros Paporakis, of Palatine, was taken into custody on October 11 following an investigation involving two local police departments.
He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. A judge ordered his continued detention at a Wednesday hearing in Rolling Meadows. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Hindu Temple Identified as Potential Target
Palatine police said information gathered during the investigation suggested the suspect may have been planning an attack on Sunday, October 11, potentially against a Hindu place of worship near Aurora. Authorities have not confirmed the intended location.
Aurora police contacted Hindu places of worship within their jurisdiction to inform them about the investigation. Authorities said they had identified no known ongoing threat to the public connected with the case.
Police Investigation Examines Messages and Weapons
The inquiry began after an individual alerted Mount Prospect police to concerning electronic communications allegedly received from Paporakis. Investigators said the material included a document describing an alleged attack plan and images of weapons and tactical equipment. Police said the document contained white supremacist rhetoric and references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.
Officers from Palatine and Mount Prospect arrested Paporakis as he left his residence. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered a rifle, loaded magazines, ammunition and body armour. Investigators also described finding imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.
FBI Cooperation Continues as Community Responds
Palatine police said they were working with the FBI to examine the evidence and determine whether additional charges were warranted. Police Chief William Nord credited the prompt exchange of information between departments with helping officers identify and arrest the suspect.
The Hindu American Foundation welcomed the police action and encouraged community members to remain vigilant and alert authorities to potential threats. It emphasised the right of every community to worship safely and without fear.
