MEA cites growing concerns over anti-India hate; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi says his family was inside the Aurora temple when the alleged attack was attempted
AURORA, Illinois / WASHINGTON, October 19, 2026 — Indian officials, US lawmakers and Hindu community organizations have condemned an alleged white supremacist plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, calling for stronger protections for religious communities and decisive action against hate-motivated violence.
The case has drawn widespread attention after a 19-year-old man, identified by police as Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested in connection with an alleged plan to attack the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, near Chicago. US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi revealed that he and his family were worshipping at the temple when the alleged attack was attempted on October 11.
Authorities say the investigation began after police received information about a potential mass shooting. The suspect has been charged with making a terrorist threat, a Class X felony under Illinois law, and unlawful possession of weapons. A judge ordered him detained following a hearing on October 14.
India expresses concern over anti-India hate
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the reported plot, describing its alleged anti-Hindu and racist character, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, as particularly disturbing.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident added to growing concerns about racist hostility and anti-India hate in the United States. He called for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence and decisive action to protect the Indian community.
India also urged US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents.
The statement reflected New Delhi’s concern about the safety and security of Indian nationals and people of Indian origin in the United States, particularly amid reports of threats targeting religious institutions.
Congressman recounts family’s experience
Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, said he and his family were at their Hindu temple in Aurora on the day of the alleged incident.
In a statement posted on X, he thanked the people who alerted law enforcement and helped prevent a potential tragedy. He also called for a united response to anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy.
Recalling the incident in a later account, the congressman said the suspect’s firearm reportedly jammed, allowing his family and others to escape. He described the experience as deeply disturbing and said it had strengthened his resolve to speak out against hatred.
Krishnamoorthi warned that authorities and communities must take threats of hate-motivated violence seriously before lives are lost.
Police describe evidence recovered
According to the Palatine Police Department, investigators began examining the case on October 11 after the Mount Prospect Police Department shared information about a potential mass shooting. The information reportedly originated with an individual who received concerning electronic communications from the suspect.
Investigators said Paporakis had shared a document outlining an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple, along with images of a rifle, rifle magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.
Police subsequently located and arrested him as he was leaving his residence. A search of his home reportedly uncovered a rifle, multiple loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of additional rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
Among the items recovered was a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.
Investigators also examined a document attributed to the suspect titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).” According to police, it contained white supremacist and extremist statements, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.
Detectives believe the suspect may have been planning to carry out the attack on October 11, potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. The allegations have not been established as proven facts in court.
Hindu organizations urge vigilance
The Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC), also referred to as the American Hindu Mandir Council in coverage of its response, urged temples and devotees to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
The council condemned hatred, violence and intimidation directed at religious communities, emphasizing that timely reporting and swift law enforcement action had helped prevent what could have been a devastating tragedy.
The appeal came during Hindu Heritage Month and the festival season, when temples across the United States host prayers, celebrations and community gatherings.
HMEC also cited a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Ohio, saying the incidents underscored the need for continued vigilance and greater attention to threats against Hindu places of worship.
The council called on Hindu communities to remain united against hatred and reaffirmed the principle that devotees should be able to worship freely, peacefully and without fear.
Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a former member of President Joe Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, also condemned the alleged plot. He urged the White House and the Department of Justice to strengthen security at Hindu temples and address anti-Indian hostility.
Aurora mayor condemns alleged plot
Aurora Mayor John Laesch described the reported plot as deeply disturbing and said no one should feel threatened for practising their faith.
In a statement issued by the city, Laesch emphasized that Aurora’s diversity was a source of strength and that residents deserved to live and worship without fear, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
He thanked law enforcement officials and the individual who alerted authorities, crediting the tip with helping prevent a potentially devastating incident.
Laesch also expressed solidarity with the affected temple and the wider community, stating that hatred, discrimination, bigotry and threats of violence against residents because of their religious backgrounds would not be tolerated.
Lawmakers call for federal investigation
The alleged plot also prompted calls for federal scrutiny. US India Caucus co-chairs Ro Khanna and Rich McCormick called on the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the case as a potential federal hate crime and pursue any additional charges supported by the evidence.
They also urged investigators to determine whether anyone had encouraged, assisted or coordinated with the suspect, either online or offline.
Khanna separately emphasized Hinduism’s teachings on non-violence and called for the suspect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, consistent with the evidence and applicable legal procedures.
Renewed focus on religious freedom and security
The alleged plot has heightened concerns among Hindu Americans and other communities about threats directed at religious institutions. The incident has also renewed calls for improved communication between temples and law enforcement, prompt reporting of credible threats and appropriate security measures at places of worship.
For the Indian government and community representatives, the case raises broader questions about how authorities can address racist hostility and protect people of Indian origin from violence.
As the investigation continues, officials and community leaders have emphasized that religious freedom must be protected and that threats against any faith community should be taken seriously.
The suspect’s guilt remains to be determined through the judicial process. Authorities have urged vigilance while the case proceeds.
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