US man arrested over alleged shooting plot targeting Hindu site

On Sunday, authorities in a Chicago suburb apprehended a 19-year-old man named Alexandros Paporakis following a report of troubling electronic messages he had sent. Police reported that they executed a search warrant at Paporakis' home and discovered a rifle, multiple loaded magazines, and a substantial cache of rifle ammunition, totaling hundreds of rounds. Additionally, they found a tactical vest with body armor and a patch displaying white supremacist symbols.

A document titled "Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter's Manifesto)" was also recovered, containing statements that articulated white supremacist and extremist views. These included references to violence directed against individuals of South Asian descent, particularly those of Indian origin. Detectives suspect that Paporakis planned to execute an attack on Sunday, October 11, presumably targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, which is approximately 65 km southwest of Palatine. However, the exact location remains under investigation and has not been officially confirmed.

The FBI is currently assisting with the probe. Paporakis was charged with felony counts of making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapon possession. Following consultation with prosecutors from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, a judge ordered his detention, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 30. Human rights groups have noted a rise in hate crimes against South Asians in the US, citing factors like increased anti-immigration rhetoric and the spread of white supremacist ideology as contributing factors.