MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot (Img: @MEAIndia)
New Delhi: India on Thursday condemned the alleged racist and anti-India motives behind a suspected mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois, United States. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had taken note of the action taken by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest of the suspect and the charges filed against him.
The case came to light after police in the Chicago suburb of Palatine arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis on October 11 over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting. Investigators believe a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area may have been the intended target, although authorities have said the precise location remains under investigation.
In its statement on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said it was deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora area.
“The reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing,” the ministry said.
India also acknowledged the steps taken by US law enforcement agencies, including the suspect’s arrest and the charges brought against him.
According to US prosecutors, the investigation began after a co-worker reported receiving disturbing electronic communications from Paporakis. The communications allegedly included an eight-page document titled Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto), along with photographs of tactical equipment.
Prosecutors allege that the document expressed white supremacist and neo-Nazi views, described Indian, Jewish and African American people in dehumanising terms, and outlined a plan to kill people from these communities.
Investigators also said co-workers had reported that Paporakis openly identified as a white supremacist and made threatening remarks about Indian people. These allegations form part of the ongoing criminal case and have not been established through a trial.
According to court-related reporting cited by US media, Paporakis allegedly travelled from Palatine to the Aurora area carrying a modified AR-style rifle, ammunition and tactical equipment.
Investigators allege that the rifle jammed when he attempted to fire it, prompting him to leave the area. He reportedly later searched online for instructions on how to unjam the weapon and contacted a co-worker.
The co-worker and another colleague alerted the authorities, helping trigger the investigation that led to his arrest. Police said they recovered a rifle, loaded magazines, ammunition, body armour and other items during a search connected to the case.
Paporakis has been charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon, according to US authorities. A judge ordered him to remain in custody while the criminal proceedings continue, and his next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
Authorities have said the investigation into the alleged plot remains ongoing. The exact intended location of the attack has not been conclusively confirmed, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial proceedings.
The incident has renewed attention on concerns over anti-Indian hatred, white supremacist extremism and the safety of religious institutions in the United States. India’s statement underscores its concern over the alleged targeting of people of Indian origin and a Hindu place of worship.
