Teen Assailant Arrested after Failed Mass Shooting at US Hindu Temple

New York, Oct 15: Authorities in Illinois say a devastating tragedy was narrowly avoided when a teenager’s rifle jammed during an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple.

The suspect, 19‑year‑old Alexandros Paporakis, who openly identified himself as a “white supremacist Neo Nazi,” was arrested after a co‑worker alerted police to his confession. He now faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons.

According to prosecutors, Paporakis admitted to his co‑worker that he went to a Hindu temple in Aurora, about 70 kilometres from Chicago, on Saturday intending to open fire.

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His weapon malfunctioned, preventing what could have been a mass casualty event. Aurora has three Hindu temples, all of which have now been alerted to the threat.

Police arrested Paporakis outside his home in Palatine, 60 kilometres from Chicago, on Sunday. A search of his residence uncovered a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and body armour decorated with extremist symbols.

“The seriousness of this alleged threat cannot be overstated,” Palatine Police Chief William Nord said.

Court documents revealed that Paporakis sent his co‑worker a photo of himself in tactical gear along with an eight‑page document titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto.” The writings were filled with racist outbursts against Indians, Hindus, and other minorities. Prosecutors said he declared his intent to die after killing “as many minorities as he could.”

He also expressed hatred toward Jewish people, African Americans, and other non‑white communities. Officials believe he had been planning the attack for two years.

On Sunday, Paporakis texted his co‑worker asking for a call. During the conversation, he confessed to attempting the shooting but fleeing “superfast” when his rifle failed.

The co‑worker immediately contacted police in Mount Prospect, who relayed the information to Palatine authorities. His erratic behaviour over the weekend raised concerns about possible mental health issues, prosecutors noted.

Investigators, with assistance from the FBI, accessed his electronic devices and communications, confirming his extremist ideology and violent intentions.

Paporakis lived with his mother, who reportedly failed to prevent him from purchasing firearms. He has been remanded in custody until October 30, when he is scheduled to appear in court again.