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An alleged mass shooting targeting Indian Americans at an Aurora Hindu temple was foiled after the suspect's gun reportedly jammed. The plot has intensified calls to confront anti-Indian hatred and protect places of worship.
Raja Krishnamoorthi represents Illinois in the US House of Representatives. (File Photo: Reuters)
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and his family were worshipping at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, when a 19-year-old man allegedly attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans, the lawmaker said.
The plot was foiled on Sunday after the suspect's gun jammed and failed to fire, according to PTI. The suspect, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested after police received information about a potential mass shooting. Investigators believe he may have been planning an attack on a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area, according to the Palatine Police Department.
Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois in the US House of Representatives, said his family was inside the Sri Venkateswara Temple when the alleged attack was attempted. He described the incident as an example of the threat posed by anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy.
"My family and I were worshipping at our Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday when a white supremacist attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans. I'm grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy, but we must come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk," he wrote on X.
SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER COWORKERS ALERT POLICE
Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on October 11 after his coworkers alerted police to a potential threat. Investigators subsequently recovered electronic communications that allegedly outlined a mass shooting plan, along with images of a rifle, ammunition magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.
According to police, investigators also recovered an eight-page document titled "Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora shooter's manifesto)". The document contained white supremacist views and references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.
A search of the suspect's residence reportedly led to the recovery of a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and additional equipment.
Paporakis faces one count of making a terrorist threat and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, specifically a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. A judge ordered him to remain in custody after a hearing on Wednesday. He is due back in court on October 30.
KRISHNAMOORTHI WARNS AGAINST ANTI-INDIAN HATE
In a statement, Krishnamoorthi said the alleged plot showed the danger posed by racial hatred and called for stronger action against threats targeting minority communities.
"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."
"The threat of such violence shows how dangerous anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy have become, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously," he added.
The incident has renewed concerns about anti-Indian racism and the safety of Indian American communities and Hindu places of worship in the US. India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, condemned the planned attack, describing it as "deeply disturbing". He said racist violence and anti-Hindu hatred had no place in a civilised society.
US LAWMAKERS CONDEMN PLANNED ATTACK
Several US lawmakers also condemned the incident and called for action against violence motivated by religious or racial hatred.
Congressman Jamie Raskin wrote on X: "Americans are outraged by this planned mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois. We must stand together-and strong-against white supremacist hate and violence targeted at temples, synagogues, churches and mosques."
Congressman Rich McCormick said: "The plot to massacre innocent Americans at a Hindu temple is unequivocally wrong. Violence toward anyone based on a religion, political orientation, or race is evil."
Congressman Ro Khanna, who is Hindu American, also condemned the alleged plot.
"As a Hindu American, I am angered by the attempted mass shooting at a Temple by a white supremacist. The shooter's evil is only surpassed by his ignorance. Hinduism teaches non-violence," he said.
Congressman Ami Bera said he was horrified that Krishnamoorthi and his family had been worshipping at the temple when the alleged attack was attempted.
"This incident is a stark reminder of the threats facing Hindu communities and other communities targeted by religious and racial hatred. Every American has the right to worship in peace. Congress must do more to combat hate-fueled violence and protect our communities from these threats," Bera said.
Congressman Shri Thanedar called on Congress to "fight the horrifying rise in anti-Hindu attacks", saying people should be able to practise their faith without fear.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens said: "The rising trend of hate-filled violence, especially at Houses of Worship, must stop. No American should have to fear for their safety when practicing their faith."
Stevens added: "I'm proud to represent one of the largest Indian-American districts in Congress-they contribute so much to our community and our country. They deserve better."
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal welcomed the police intervention, saying: "I am incredibly grateful that local law enforcement thwarted this attempted mass shooting by a white supremacist and that the worshipers at this temple are safe."
"Attacks on South Asians have been on the rise, online and by leaders in our own government. This hate, racism, and violence are absolutely unacceptable, are traumatising our communities, and must end," Jayapal said.
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