19-Year-Old Arrested Over Plot To Carry Out Mass Shootings Targeting Indians At Hindu Temple In US

Last Updated:October 15, 2026, 07:18 IST

Police said Alexandros Paporakis, 19, plotted to carry out a “mass shooting of Indian people” at a Hindu temple in Aurora, but his rifle malfunctioned.

Alexandros Paporakis, 19, allegedly plotted to carry out a “mass shooting of Indian people” at a Hindu temple in Aurora

A 19-year-old American national has been taken in custody over an alleged plot to carry out mass shootings targeting Indians at a Hindu temple in Illinois, United States.

The suspect has been identified as Alexandros Paporakis, who works as a cashier at a Taco Bell restaurant. Police in his suburban hometown of Palatine said he had plotted to carry out a “mass shooting of Indian people” at a Hindu temple in Aurora, where they say he drove last Sunday.

Investigators said Paporakis had a modified AR-style rifle and 300 rounds of ammunition, along with body armour, gasoline cans and an assortment of swastikas. He drove from his mother’s house to the temple in Aurora on Sunday, intending to kill a significant number of Indians”, according to police.

However, tragedy was averted after Paporakis’s rifle malfunctioned when he tried to open fire. Unable to carry out his plan, Paporakis drove him and reportedly searched the internet about “how to unjam his gun”. He also called a colleague and informed them of his intent to carry out a mass shooting.

More details to be added.

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

What led to the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis?

Alexandros Paporakis was arrested over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indians at a Hindu temple in Illinois after authorities were alerted by concerning electronic communications and a manifesto detailing white supremacist ideologies and plans for violence.

Why did the suspect fail to execute the mass shooting at the Hindu temple?

The shooting was averted because the suspect’s modified AR-style rifle malfunctioned when he attempted to open fire at the temple. He then drove away and searched the internet on how to unjam his gun while also contacting a colleague to reveal his intentions.

What charges does Alexandros Paporakis face following his detention?

Alexandros Paporakis has been charged with making a terrorist threat, which is classified as a Class X felony, as well as unlawful possession of weapons including a short-barreled rifle. A judge ordered him detained until his next court appearance on October 30.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int…Read More

Read More