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Palatine teen accused of plotting attack on Aurora Hindu temple
Authorities say a 19-year-old drove to an Aurora Hindu temple with a rifle, ammunition and other gear, but the weapon malfunctioned before he could carry out an attack. A co-worker alerted police, and the suspect was arrested Sunday, according to court records.
A 19-year-old Palatine resident is accused of planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, where police say he arrived Sunday carrying a modified AR-style rifle and about 300 rounds of ammunition. Investigators allege the rifle jammed, preventing him from firing, and that a co-worker later contacted police about his stated plans.
Alexandros Paporakis was arrested Sunday after returning to his home, according to court records. Authorities allege he had driven from his mother’s home in Palatine to the temple, then searched online for instructions on clearing the malfunction and told a co-worker he intended to carry out a mass shooting.
Investigators say they found body armor, gasoline cans and swastikas, as well as a manifesto in which Paporakis referred to himself as the “Aurora Shooter.” The writings allegedly expressed white-supremacist and neo-Nazi views and described violence against Indian, Jewish and Black people and other non-white groups.
Paporakis faces gun charges and is accused of making a terrorist threat. A Cook County judge ordered him held without bond. His public defender said police and prosecutors’ accounts are allegations and may change as the investigation proceeds.
The targeted temple is one of the region’s major Hindu places of worship. Its chairman said the temple has a substantial security presence and praised police for stopping the threat. Authorities have not reported any injuries.
The case underscores the danger posed by threats targeting places of worship and the importance of reporting them. Investigators say the co-worker’s tip led to Paporakis’ arrest before he could return to the temple.