Mahi Shrivastava, Bhopal: A 19-year-old man from Palatine, Illinois, has appeared in court over allegations that he planned a mass shooting at a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area, near Chicago. Alexandros Paporakis was arrested on Sunday after fellow employees raised an alarm with police, according to authorities and court filings.
Paporakis faces two felony charges: making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. Prosecutors allege that he had expressed white-supremacist views and spoke about carrying out violence against minority communities.
How the Alleged Plot Emerged
Police said the case began after two co-workers at a Taco Bell where Paporakis worked contacted authorities. One employee reportedly received a phone call in which the accused said his firearm had jammed, while prosecutors said he also sent messages that included images of an AR-style rifle and a photograph of himself wearing tactical gear.
According to prosecutors, Paporakis had told a colleague on Saturday that he was planning “it” at a Hindu temple in Aurora and described the following day as “special.” The next day, after the alleged weapon malfunction, he reportedly contacted the co-worker again, prompting the tip that led police to act.
Officers arrested him outside his home before he could return to the suspected target, police said. Investigators believe he may have been planning the attack for some time and was acting alone.
Evidence Recovered
During a search of Paporakis’s residence, police said they recovered a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armour and other tactical equipment. Authorities also examined his electronic devices and communications. They said they found an eight-page manifesto containing extremist and white-supremacist material, including hateful language and references to mass violence.
Palatine Police Chief William Nord said the document discussed mass killings and the suspect’s stated desire to carry out such an attack. However, police emphasised that the exact location allegedly targeted has not been confirmed and that the investigation is still ongoing.
Court Proceedings and Response
Paporakis appeared in court on Wednesday and was ordered to remain in custody ahead of trial. His next hearing is scheduled for October 30. The alleged plot has drawn strong concern from local leaders. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he was horrified by the reports and stressed that every American should be able to worship without fear, calling for unity against hatred in all forms.
The case has renewed attention on threats faced by Hindu and other minority communities in the United States, while also highlighting the role that alert co-workers may have played in preventing a potential tragedy.