Tip-off foiled US teen’s plot to attack Hindu temple, police say

A 19-year-old Taco Bell employee from Palatine, Illinois, named Alexandros Paporakis, faced charges on Wednesday after a tip-off from a co-worker foiled his alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple near Chicago. Paporakis is accused of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon. On Sunday, he allegedly sent a message to a colleague expressing his intentions, which led to the authorities being alerted.

Police found writings in which Paporakis identified as a white supremacist and expressed hatred towards non-white individuals. Palatine Police Chief William Nord stated that the tip received on Sunday played a crucial role in preventing the attack. According to reports, the suspect's red Honda RDX was spotted at the entrance of a Hindu temple's parking lot in Aurora at lunchtime, and the gun he attempted to use jammed, causing him to drive home.

Police also discovered an arsenal of weapons, ammunition, and an eight-page document detailing his extremist ideologies and attack plans. Paporakis is believed to have acted alone. The Hindu temple targeted by the suspect has since enhanced its security measures, and India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the incident, highlighting growing racism and anti-India sentiment in the US.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the act, stating he and his family worship at the temple and attended services last Sunday.