India Flags Rising Anti-India Hate In US After Teen Arrested Over Hindu Temple Shooting Plot
India on Thursday expressed concern over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and called on US authorities to take decisive action against hate-motivated violence.
The alleged conspiracy was “particularly disturbing” because it included references to violence against Indian origin people, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, referring to anti-Hindu and racist elements of the alleged plot.
India Calls For Thorough Investigation
India had been apprised of the action taken by the US law enforcement agencies including arrest and detention of the accused and the charges framed against him, Jaiswal said.
“We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” he said.
The MEA also emphasized the importance of enhanced vigilance and taking zero-tolerance approach towards hate-motivated violence, as well as measures to safeguard members of the Indian diaspora.
19-Year-Old Arrested Over Alleged Shooting Plot
US police arrested Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old resident of Palatine, Illinois, on October 11 over the alleged shooting plot.
According to investigators, an eight-page manifesto containing white supremacist views and references to violence against people of Indian descent was recovered during the investigation.
The case reportedly began after Mount Prospect Police received information from a person who had received concerning electronic communications from Paporakis. Police said the suspect had shared a document outlining a potential shooting plan, along with images of a rifle, ammunition magazines, body armour and tactical equipment.
Palatine Police said investigators believed an attack could have been planned for October 11, potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora. However, the intended location had not been conclusively established and remained under investigation.
Weapons And Tactical Equipment Recovered
According to US media reports, Paporakis allegedly travelled nearly 40 miles from his mother’s home in Palatine towards a Hindu temple in Aurora with a modified AR-style rifle, approximately 300 rounds of ammunition and body armour.
The reports said the rifle jammed when he allegedly attempted to open fire, following which he fled and searched online for information on how to repair it.
Police arrested him as he was leaving his residence. A subsequent search of his home led to the recovery of a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment, authorities said.
Paporakis faces one count each of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon involving a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches.
A judge ordered him to remain in custody following a hearing on Wednesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
Police said they were working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine whether additional charges were warranted. Authorities said they had not identified any known continuing threat to the public connected to the case.
Indian Consulate In Chicago In Touch With Diaspora
The Indian Consulate in Chicago welcomed the timely action taken by US law enforcement agencies and said it was closely monitoring developments.
“We are in touch with members of the Indian diaspora and are closely monitoring developments,” the consulate said in a post on X.
Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also expressed shock over the alleged plot and thanked those who alerted authorities.
The Hindu American Foundation welcomed the police action and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report potential threats to law enforcement agencies.
The case has renewed concerns about hate-motivated threats against Hindu places of worship and people of Indian origin in the United States. Indian officials have called for a thorough investigation and measures to ensure the community’s safety.