‘Bigotry Has No Place In America’: US Lawmakers Condemn Planned Mass Shooting At Hindu Temple

Last Updated:October 16, 2026, 03:13 IST

Several lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Haley Stevens, expressed outrage over the incident.

A 19-year-old was arrested in Palatine, near Chicago, over an alleged plan to attack the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Aurora on Sunday. (AP photo)

US lawmakers have condemned an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, warning that religious and racial hatred pose a threat to communities across the country.

Several lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Haley Stevens, expressed outrage over the incident and stressed that every American should be able to practise their faith without fear.

A 19-year-old was arrested in Palatine, near Chicago, over an alleged plan to attack the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Aurora on Sunday. The shooting was averted after the firearm he allegedly carried jammed and failed to fire.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois, was at the temple with his family when the incident took place.

‘White Supremacist Hate’ Under Fire

Congressman Jamie Raskin called for a united stand against hate-fuelled violence targeting religious communities.

“Americans are outraged by this planned mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois. We must stand together—and strong—against white supremacist hate and violence targeted at temples, synagogues, churches and mosques,” he said in a post on X.

Congressman Rich McCormick also condemned the alleged plot, saying: “The plot to massacre innocent Americans at a Hindu temple is unequivocally wrong. Violence toward anyone based on a religion, political orientation, or race is evil.”

Congressman Ro Khanna, who is Hindu American, expressed anger over the incident.

“The shooter’s evil is only surpassed by his ignorance. Hinduism teaches non-violence,” he said.

‘No American Should Fear For Their Safety’

Congressman Ami Bera said he was horrified that Krishnamoorthi and his family were worshipping at the temple when the alleged plot unfolded.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the threats facing Hindu communities and other communities targeted by religious and racial hatred,” Bera said, adding that Congress must do more to combat hate-fuelled violence.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens said the rising trend of violence at places of worship must end.

“No American should have to fear for their safety when practising their faith,” she said, adding that Indian Americans deserved better.

Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Anti-Hindu Hate

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he was “incredibly alarmed” by the alleged attempt to carry out mass violence at the temple and thanked law enforcement for its swift response.

“Anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America, and now we are seeing that hatred turn into violence,” Schumer said.

He added that bigotry had no place in the country and pledged to support the right of everyone, regardless of race or religion, to practise their faith openly.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal welcomed the police response that prevented the alleged attack.

“I am incredibly grateful that local law enforcement thwarted this attempted mass shooting by a white supremacist and that the worshipers at this temple are safe,” she said.

Jayapal also warned that attacks on South Asians were increasing online and in public discourse.

“This hate, racism, and violence are absolutely unacceptable, are traumatising our communities, and must end,” she said.

Congressman Nick LaLota also condemned the alleged plot, stressing that no American should fear for their life because of their faith, race or ancestry.

“Religious liberty is a cornerstone of our nation, and defending it is among our government’s most solemn responsibilities,” he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

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What led to the arrest of the suspect in the Illinois Hindu temple mass shooting plot?

A 19-year-old named Alexandros Paporakis was arrested after allegedly planning a mass shooting targeting Indians at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Aurora. The attack was thwarted because his firearm jammed when he attempted to fire, and his plot was brought to law enforcement’s attention after a co-worker reported him.

How did US lawmakers and officials respond to the thwarted attack on the Hindu temple?

Numerous US lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin, Ro Khanna, and Chuck Schumer, strongly condemned the white supremacist plot and expressed alarm over rising anti-Hindu and anti-Indian rhetoric. They praised law enforcement for their swift response and emphasized that every American has the right to practice their faith safely.

What official demand did India make following the planned mass shooting in Illinois?

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs called for a thorough investigation by American authorities into the anti-Hindu and racist mass shooting plot. India stressed the need for zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence and urged decisive actions to safeguard the security of the Indian community.

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