Indian-American lawmakers and community leaders have condemned an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois, warning that anti-Indian hatred and white supremacist extremism pose a growing threat to communities and places of worship.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued a statement on 15 October after authorities arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis, who is accused of plotting an attack on the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, near Chicago.
The alleged plot was reportedly thwarted after a co-worker alerted police to concerning messages and images sent by the suspect.
According to investigators, Paporakis allegedly drove to the temple’s car park on Sunday, 11 October, while thousands of worshippers were attending Navaratri celebrations. He was allegedly armed with a rifle and ammunition but left after his weapon jammed.
Police later searched his home in Palatine and reportedly recovered a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armour and an eight-page document containing extremist views.
Paporakis faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Indian-American lawmakers condemn alleged plot
CAPAC leadership said it was horrified by reports of a plot targeting Indian Americans at a Hindu place of worship.
The caucus said the suspect allegedly expressed a desire to murder Indian people, used a South Asian slur on a gas canister and described Indian, Jewish and African-American people as “subhumans”.
“This plot exposes the very real danger white supremacist ideology poses to our communities and houses of worship.”
CAPAC also warned that anti-South Asian hate speech and racist rhetoric could contribute to real-world threats and violence.
The statement was signed by CAPAC Chair Grace Meng, First Vice Chair Mark Takano, Second Vice Chair Jill Tokuda, Whip Ami Bera, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam and Chair Emerita Judy Chu.
The caucus also criticised the Trump administration’s approach to racism and domestic extremism, alleging that its rhetoric and policy decisions had contributed to an environment in which anti-South Asian hatred could spread. These are the caucus’s political assessments.
Congressman was worshipping at temple during alleged plot
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, whose family has worshipped at the Aurora temple for about 40 years, said he and his parents were inside the complex when the alleged incident occurred.
He said he did not learn the details of the suspected plot until several days later.
“Little did we know that there was a man outside, a 19-year-old in a car with 300 rounds of ammunition and an AR-15-style weapon.”
The congressman called for the FBI to investigate the case as a hate crime and direct resources towards domestic violent extremism.
He also urged social media companies to address online hate, warning that racist rhetoric can have consequences beyond the internet.
The alleged attack has prompted calls for stronger protections for Hindu temples and other religious institutions. Temple administrators said they had introduced additional security measures, including an armed security presence.
Aurora mayor condemns hatred
Aurora Mayor John Laesch said in a statement that he was deeply disturbed by the alleged plot and thanked the person who alerted authorities.
“The tipster’s bravery and courage to come forward and alert law enforcement personnel about the alleged plot has saved countless lives and prevented a significant tragedy in our City.”
Laesch said everyone should be able to practise their faith without fear of discrimination or violence.
“Aurora’s strength lies in its diversity, and every Auroran and American deserves to live and worship without fear.”
Community leaders and faith representatives also gathered to denounce the alleged plot and call for a broader response to extremism.
Community leaders warn against normalising online hate
Advocates for Hindu and South Asian communities said the case reflected wider concerns about online racism and hostility towards Indian migrants.
Pushpita Prasad, a spokesperson for the Coalition of Hindus of North America, warned that racist online content targeting Indians over their appearance, food and cultural practices could contribute to hostility in the real world.
“Sooner or later, all that online hate is going to migrate to the real world.”
Manjusha P. Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, also expressed concern about the threat to people attending religious services.
“Seeing how going to my house of worship can put me and my children at risk is very scary.”
The case has also revived painful memories for Sikh-American communities. Pardeep Kaleka’s father, Satwant Singh Kaleka, was among six people killed in the 2012 mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, carried out by a white supremacist.
Kaleka said perpetrators of such attacks did not emerge without warning and stressed the importance of dialogue across racial and religious communities.
Authorities have said the suspect appears to have acted alone. He is due to return to court later this month.
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