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The US-based Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council urged vigilance after a teenager's arrest over an alleged Illinois temple shooting plot. The case has renewed concern about threats to Hindu places of worship.
A US Hindu body has issued a warning after a teen was arrested over his plot to carry out mass shooting at a Chicago temple.
Oct 15, 2026 11:02 IST
In the wake of the arrest of a 19-year-old over a mass shooting plot targeting a temple in Illinois, a prominent US-based Hindu body has urged devotees to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity, warning of a troubling pattern of threats against Hindu places of worship.
In a statement, the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC) said it was “deeply concerned” by reports of the planned attack and strongly condemned acts of hate, violence and intimidation directed at any faith community.
“Coming shortly after the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Ohio, this incident underscores a troubling pattern of threats directed at Hindu places of worship and the need for continued vigilance across our communities,” the organisation said.
“As we come together in prayer, celebration, and service, let us stand united against hate and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every devotee can worship freely, peacefully, and without fear in our sacred spaces,” it added.
On October 11, Alexandros Paporakis was arrested following an investigation into an alleged mass shooting plot that he was suspected of planning to carry out that day.
A cashier at Taco Bell, he targeted the Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple in Chicago as Indian-Americans were gearing up to celebrate Navratri, according to a Washington Post report.
According to police, the investigation began after the police received information about the planned attack. The information originated from an individual who reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis.
Investigators said Paporakis had shared a document outlining an alleged plan for a mass shooting, along with images of a rifle, rifle magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.
A search of Paporakis' residence led to the recovery of a rifle, multiple loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of rounds of additional ammunition, tactical equipment and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
Investigators also recovered a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.
Paporakis has been charged with one count each of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon, involving a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches.
The investigation remains active, with police working alongside the FBI to review the possibility of additional charges.
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(With PTI inputs)
