Community leaders say foiled Illinois mass shooting was result of surge in anti-Hindu hate online

A thwarted attack on a major Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois was allegedly motivated by an influx of online hate speech against Hindus and Indians, according to community leaders. The attacker, 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis, was apprehended after his rifle jammed during the incident on Sunday at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, which was filled with thousands celebrating the beginning of Navaratri.

Paporakis was later arrested near his residence in Palatine. U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was present at the temple that day, called for the attack to be treated as a hate crime and for social media platforms to address the harmful rhetoric. The Hindu Coalition of North America reported a surge in anti-Hindu hate, including vandalism and assaults, over the past few years.

Similar incidents have occurred in Ohio, Utah, Texas, and Texas, often ignited by xenophobic policies and rhetoric. Community leaders emphasize the need for stronger action against online hate and for the FBI to address domestic violent extremism.