India has expressed deep concern over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and called on US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the reported anti-Hindu and racist motives behind the alleged plot were particularly disturbing, especially references to violence against people of Indian origin.
The ministry said it had taken note of the action initiated by US law enforcement agencies, including the arrest of the suspect and the charges filed against him. It added that the incident had intensified concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the United States.
The MEA called for greater vigilance, a zero-tolerance approach to hate-motivated violence and decisive measures to protect the Indian community. It also urged US authorities to ensure accountability and take steps to prevent similar incidents. The statement followed reports that an alleged attempt to carry out a mass shooting at the Hindu temple was thwarted after the suspect’s rifle reportedly malfunctioned. According to authorities, the 19-year-old suspect, identified as Paporakis, allegedly told a co-worker that he had visited the temple on Saturday and attempted to open fire, but his weapon failed to discharge.
The suspect was arrested outside his residence in Palatine on Sunday after the co-worker alerted the police. Authorities in Mount Prospect received the information and subsequently passed it on to Palatine law enforcement officials.
The accused appeared before a court in Rolling Meadows on Wednesday, local time, and was charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. A judge ordered him to remain in custody until October 30, when he is scheduled to appear in court again.
Police said a search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and body armour. Palatine Police Chief William Nord said the body armour featured designs associated with white supremacist extremism. Prosecutors alleged that the suspect contacted his co-worker through a text message on Sunday and asked for a phone call. During the conversation, he reportedly admitted that he had attempted the shooting but could not fire his rifle. The suspect also allegedly sent the co-worker a photograph of himself wearing a tactical vest and an eight-page document titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).”
Court documents described the document as containing racist statements targeting people of Indian descent and the Hindu temple. Prosecutors alleged that the suspect had expressed an intention to kill members of minority communities and had been planning the attack for approximately two years.
Chief Nord said the writings contained extremist ideologies and references to mass violence. Officials also reported expressions of hatred towards Jewish people and other non-white communities, including African Americans.
Police said the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted investigators in accessing the suspect’s electronic devices and communications as part of the investigation.
According to prosecutors, the suspect had described himself in his writings as a white supremacist and neo-Nazi. The co-worker also reportedly told police that the suspect had behaved erratically over the weekend.
Authorities have raised concerns about possible mental health issues, although these remain separate from the criminal allegations. Police said the suspect lived with his mother.
The incident has renewed concerns about threats targeting religious institutions and members of the Indian diaspora in the United States. India’s response highlighted the need for stronger vigilance and effective action against hate-motivated violence.
The MEA reiterated its expectation that US authorities thoroughly investigate the alleged plot, hold those responsible accountable and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community.