New York: Top US lawmakers, leaders and civil society members have condemned an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, calling for efforts to combat anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in the United States.
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Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested on October 11 over an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois. Police found a document outlining the plan, along with images of firearms and tactical equipment.
The attack was thwarted after his rifle reportedly jammed. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons and has been ordered detained.
At a press conference on Thursday, Palatine Police Chief William Nord said Paporakis had been planning the attack alone.
“He did reveal some details in the manifesto that he's been planning this for some time. We are still trying to determine why the October 11th date was significant for him. We're still working on that,” Nord said.
“Based on the information that was given to us, and based on the communications, what our investigation revealed was specifically that he was looking for a large Hindu temple. That was it,” he added.
Lawmakers condemn anti-Indian and anti-Hindu hatred
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois' 8th Congressional District, said he and his family were worshipping at the temple when the alleged attack was attempted.
“I am horrified that a white supremacist attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans at the Hindu temple in Aurora where my family worships. My family and I were there when the attack was attempted last Sunday,” Krishnamoorthi said.
He said the incident showed the danger posed by anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy, adding that “we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “incredibly alarmed” by the alleged attempt by a white supremacist to carry out mass violence at the temple.
“Anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America, and now we are seeing that hatred turn into violence. Bigotry against any community has no place in America, and I remain committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their race or religion, can live and practice their faith openly in our country,” Schumer said.
Congressman Brad Sherman also condemned the alleged plot, saying, “This attempt to slaughter families while they pray is the epitome of evil.” He called for efforts to combat anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice and strengthen security at minority places of worship.
Congressman Ami Bera said the incident highlighted the threats facing Hindu communities and others targeted by religious and racial hatred.
“Every American has the right to worship in peace. Congress must do more to combat hate-fuelled violence and protect our communities from these threats,” Bera said.
Congressman Ro Khanna also condemned the alleged plot, saying that “Hinduism teaches non-violence” and calling for the suspect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Aurora mayor expresses solidarity with Hindu community
In a statement shared by the City of Aurora on X on Thursday, Mayor John Laesch said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the alleged plot targeting members of a Hindu temple in the city.
“No one should ever feel threatened, unsafe, or attacked for freely practicing their faith or attending a place of worship. While I am grateful that the attack did not occur, the plot itself is completely unacceptable. Let me be clear: hate has no place in our community,” he said.
Laesch thanked law enforcement agencies and the individual who alerted authorities to the potential attack, saying the tip had helped prevent a possible tragedy.
He expressed solidarity with the affected temple and the wider community, adding that Aurora would not tolerate hatred, discrimination, bigotry or threats of violence against residents because of their religious backgrounds.
India calls for thorough investigation
The Indian government also expressed concern over the alleged plot. On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the incident was particularly disturbing and called for decisive action to protect the Indian community.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged US authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, bring those responsible to justice and take measures to prevent similar incidents.
Our response to media queries regarding an attempted mass shooting incident in the United States.🔗 https://t.co/mKh70FMPsI https://t.co/yVQ3OeSo4d
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2026
Civil society group seeks federal charges
South Asians for America (SAFA) condemned the alleged plot, noting that the threat emerged during Navaratri celebrations and two weeks after vandals struck the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio.
“These incidents join a long record of hate directed at South Asian Americans and our houses of worship, including the 2012 massacre at the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin,” the organisation said.
SAFA urged the US Department of Justice and the FBI to review the case for possible federal hate crime and domestic terrorism charges.
“No family should fear for their lives while they pray,” said Neha Dewan, National Co-Director of SAFA.
(With inputs from agencies)
