US Teen Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Carry Out Mass Shooting At Hindu Temple In Illinois

A 19-year-old has been arrested in Illinois, USA, for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in the town. A manifesto with white supremacist ideology and language of violence against Indians was allegedly found by investigators.

Paporakis, 31, of Palatine was arrested on Oct 11 after information is received regarding a possible mass shooting. He is charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon.

After a hearing on Wednesday at Cook County Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows, a judge ordered Paporakis to remain in custody. He will return to court on Oct 30.

Police find alleged shooting plan

Police in Mount Prospect were alerted to the investigation following a tip from someone who alleged they received a series of disturbing electronic communications from Paporakis.

Investigators say evidence of communication included a document which detailed an alleged mass shooting plan, photos of a rifle, magazines, body armour and other tactical gear.

A document titled 'Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora shooter's manifesto)' was studied by detectives. Police claims it was filled with extremist messages, such as threats to people of South Asian descent, specifically Indians.

According to the Palatine Police Department's statement issued Wednesday, investigators think Paporakis was planning an attack on Sunday, Oct. 11, possibly on a Hindu religious site in the Aurora area.

But authorities have not specified where the bombs would be placed, and the investigation continues.

Rifle, Ammunition And Tactical Equipment Recovered

Paporakis was arrested by officers from the Palatine and Mount Prospect police departments as they were following him from his residence on October 11th.

It is reported that a search of his residence resulted in the recovery of a rifle, several loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds and tactical items. Investigators also discovered a vest that included body armor and a patch with images that have been linked to white supremacist extremism.

Paporakis faces one count each of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. The charge of weapons relates to a rifle that is less than 16 inches in length.

Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are continuing to investigate the case and deciding if there are any other charges to be filed, Palatine Police Department said. They did not know of any current public safety threat associated with the incident, authorities added.

The threat assessment identified Hindu Temples as the targets for alert and they were subsequently alerted.

After the alleged plot was discovered, the Aurora Police Department reached out to the local Hindu temples in its districts to let them know of the investigation and possible threat.

The quick information sharing between the two police agencies helped authorities catch the suspect, according to Palatine Police Chief William Nord.

FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Ryan Whalen told the press the agency had been collaborating with local and state law enforcement officials on investigations of threats of violence stemming from radical ideologies.

Indian Consulate Welcomes Police Action

The Consulate General of India, Chicago stated that it had heard reports of the alleged plot and thanked the Indian law enforcement authorities for their response.

The consulate posted on X, stating that it was in touch with the members of the Indian diaspora and closely monitoring the developments.

The Hindu American Foundation also welcomed the police action, saying that the people should be alert and should alert the police if any kind of threats were found. The organisation emphasized the need for all communities to have the freedom to practise their faith.

The investigation is ongoing and the authorities are studying the alleged manifesto and the weapons found at the scene and other evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged plot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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