Was at Chicago temple where teen attemped mass shooting: Indian-origin US lawmaker

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he and his family were worshipping at a Hindu temple in Aurora when a 19-year-old man plotted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans, renewing concerns over anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy.

In Short

• 19-year-old white supremacist plotted mass shooting at Hindu temple in Aurora
• US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi says he was horrified by plotted attack
• Warns foiled attack exposed growing dangers of anti-Indian hatred in US

Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi recalled the horror of learning that a 19-year-old man had plotted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, where he and his family had been worshipping. Flagging the threat posed by anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy, the lawmaker said the incident was a chilling reminder of the dangers of letting racial hatred go unchecked.

The plot was foiled on Sunday (October 11) after the suspect's gun jammed and failed to fire, according to PTI. The suspect, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested after police received information about a potential mass shooting. Investigators believe he may have been planning an attack on a major Hindu temple in Aurora, according to the Palatine Police Department.

Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois in the US House of Representatives, said his family was inside the Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple when the attack was attempted. He described the incident as an example of the threat posed by anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy.

"My family and I were worshipping at our Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday when a white supremacist attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans. I'm grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy, but we must come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk," he wrote on X.

Investigators are yet to confirm the exact location Paporakis intended to target, but believe a major Hindu temple in Aurora may have been his intended target. The city is home to the Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple, a prominent Hindu temple.

In a statement, Krishnamoorthi said the plot showed the danger posed by racial hatred and called for stronger action against threats targeting minority communities. "I am horrified that a white supremacist attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans at the Hindu temple in Aurora where my family worships."

"The threat of such violence shows how dangerous anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy have become, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously," he added.

SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER COWORKERS ALERT POLICE

Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, was arrested on October 11 after his coworkers alerted police to a potential threat. Investigators subsequently recovered electronic communications that outlined a mass shooting plan, along with images of a rifle, ammunition magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.

According to police, investigators also recovered an eight-page document titled "Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora shooter's manifesto)". The document contained white supremacist views and references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.

A search of the suspect's residence led to the recovery of a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and additional equipment.

Paporakis faces one count of making a terrorist threat and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, specifically a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches. A judge ordered him to remain in custody after a hearing on Wednesday. He is due back in court on October 30.

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, condemned the planned attack, describing it as "deeply disturbing". He said racist violence and anti-Hindu hatred had no place in a civilised society.

US LAWMAKERS CONDEMN PLANNED ATTACK

Several US lawmakers, including Indian-origin Congressmen, also condemned the incident and called for action against violence motivated by religious or racial hatred.

Congressman Jamie Raskin wrote on X, "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."

Congressman Rich McCormick said, "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, also condemned the attack plot. "As a Hindu American, I am angered by the attempted mass shooting at a Temple by a white supremacist. The shooter's evil is only surpassed by his ignorance. Hinduism teaches non-violence," he said.

Another Indian-origin Congressman, Ami Bera, said he was horrified that Krishnamoorthi and his family had been worshipping at the temple when the alleged attack was attempted.

"This incident is a stark reminder of the threats facing Hindu communities and other communities targeted by religious and racial hatred. Every American has the right to worship in peace. Congress must do more to combat hate-fueled violence and protect our communities from these threats," Bera said.

Congressman Shri Thanedar called on the Congress to "fight the horrifying rise in anti-Hindu attacks", saying people should be able to practise their faith without fear.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens said, "The rising trend of hate-filled violence, especially at Houses of Worship, must stop. No American should have to fear for their safety when practicing their faith. I'm proud to represent one of the largest Indian-American districts in Congress, they contribute so much to our community and our country. They deserve better."

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal welcomed the police intervention, saying, "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."

"Attacks on South Asians have been on the rise, online and by leaders in our own government. This hate, racism, and violence are absolutely unacceptable, are traumatising our communities, and must end," Jayapal said.

- Ends