Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday expressed concern over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, saying the incident adds to growing concerns over “racist hostility and anti-India hate” in the United States and calling for decisive action to ensure the safety of the Indian community there.
In response to media queries regarding the alleged incident, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, was particularly disturbing.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois. The reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing,” Jaiswal said.
The spokesperson said India had taken note of the action taken by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest and detention of the suspect and the charges brought against him.
“This incident adds to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US. There is a need for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence, and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community,” he added.
The MEA also called on US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” Jaiswal added.
The statement comes after the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis in connection with an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship in Illinois.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC) in the US on Wednesday (local time) urged temples and devotees to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity following the arrest of a 19-year-old man accused of plotting a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, Illinois, describing the alleged incident as part of a troubling pattern of threats against Hindu religious institutions.
The council strongly condemned acts of hatred and violence directed at faith communities, noting that the alleged attack was thwarted through timely reporting and swift action by law enforcement authorities.
“HMEC is deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. We strongly condemn all acts of hate, violence, and intimidation directed at any faith community. The planned attack was fortunately thwarted through timely reporting and swift action by law enforcement, preventing what could have been a devastating tragedy,” the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council said in a statement on X.
The council’s appeal comes as Hindus observe Hindu Heritage Month and the ongoing festival season, when devotees gather at temples for prayers and celebrations. It also referred to a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Ohio, saying the latest incident underscored the need for continued vigilance across Hindu communities.
According to the Palatine Police Department, the investigation began on October 11 after the Mount Prospect Police Department shared information about a potential mass shooting. The information originated from an individual who reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis.
Investigators said the suspect had shared a document outlining an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple, along with images depicting a rifle, rifle magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.
Paporakis was taken into custody as he was leaving his residence. During a subsequent search of his home, police recovered a rifle, multiple loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of additional rounds of rifle ammunition, tactical equipment and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation.
Among the recovered items was a tactical vest containing body armour and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.
Investigators also examined electronic communications and a document attributed to Paporakis titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).” According to police, the document contained statements expressing white supremacist and extremist ideologies, 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.
Paporakis was charged with one count of Making a Terrorist Threat, a Class X felony, and one count of Unlawful Possession of Weapons. He appeared for a detention hearing on Wednesday, where a judge ordered him detained.