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US Teen Goes To Hindu Temple For 'Mass Shooting', Jammed Rifle Stops HimThe suspect has been charged with one count each of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons, which comprises a rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches in length. Edited by: Sanstuti Nath World News Oct 15, 2026 08:25 IST Published On Oct 15, 2026 07:27 IST Last Updated On Oct 15, 2026 08:25 IST Read Time: 4 mins Share TwitterWhatsAppFacebookRedditEmail The suspect had allegedly told his Taco Bell co-workers that Sunday was going to be "a special day." (Img: X)
Washington: Authorities in the United States have arrested a 19-year-old man accused of planning a mass shooting that may have targeted a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois, near Chicago. The suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, faces felony charges related to making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon.
According to police and prosecutors, the investigation began after a person reported receiving disturbing electronic communications from Paporakis. These allegedly included a document describing a mass shooting plan and photographs of a rifle, ammunition magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.
Investigators believe the alleged attack may have been planned for October 11. However, authorities have not conclusively identified the specific temple the suspect intended to target, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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According to information presented by prosecutors, Paporakis had allegedly told colleagues at the Taco Bell outlet where he worked that Sunday would be “a special day.”
Investigators also said he contacted a co-worker that day and reportedly mentioned that his gun had jammed and that he had left quickly without being seen. The co-worker’s concerns and the earlier messages helped bring the alleged threat to the attention of law enforcement.
Police from Palatine and Mount Prospect coordinated efforts to locate Paporakis. He was arrested on October 11 while leaving his residence, according to authorities.
The reported weapon malfunction is a key part of the investigation into how the alleged plan unfolded. Authorities are examining the communications, equipment and other evidence collected during the inquiry.
During a search of the suspect’s residence, investigators reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle without a serial number, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment.
Police and prosecutors also said they found items featuring Nazi symbolism and a document titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).” The eight-page document allegedly contained white supremacist and neo-Nazi views, along with threats directed at Indian, Jewish and African American communities.
According to prosecutors, the material outlined an alleged plan to kill as many people as possible. Investigators are examining the document and other electronic evidence as part of the continuing probe.
Investigators believe the alleged plan may have involved a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, a city in the Chicago metropolitan area with a large Hindu community. However, police have not conclusively established the intended target.
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The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, one of the area's major Hindu religious centres, has been mentioned in reports discussing the possible target. Authorities have not definitively confirmed that it was the specific location intended by the suspect.
Police said the Aurora Police Department was notified and that officers contacted Hindu places of worship in the area to alert them to the potential threat. Authorities have also said they are not aware of any continuing threat to the public connected with the case.
Paporakis faces one charge of making a terrorist threat and one charge related to unlawful possession of a weapon, according to authorities. Investigators are reviewing the evidence and have indicated that additional charges may be considered.
A judge ordered him held in custody pending further proceedings. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
The allegations have raised concerns about the safety of religious institutions and the threat posed by extremist violence. The investigation is continuing, and the charges against the suspect have not been proven in court.
