Palatine Man Charged After Plot to Target Aurora Hindu Temple Thwarted
Police arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis in Palatine on charges of making a terrorist threat and illegal weapon possession after he allegedly planned a mass shooting aimed at a Hindu house of worship in Aurora.
Palatine police arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis on Sunday and charged him with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. Prosecutors say the suspect possessed an AR-style rifle, 300 rounds of ammunition and tactical gear, and had drafted an eight-page manifesto that targeted minorities, specifically people of Indian descent at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. Court documents indicate Paporakis described himself as a "sociopathic white supremacist Neo Nazi" and claimed he intended to kill as many minorities as possible before taking his own life.
According to investigators, a co-worker at a Taco Bell in Arlington Heights reported that Paporakis became increasingly agitated over the weekend, sent a video of the rifle, and posted a photo of himself in a tactical vest. The co-worker contacted police, prompting the arrest at the suspect’s Palatine apartment where the firearm and ammunition were recovered.
"It's highly likely that were it not for the quick action and the investigative activities of the local law enforcement authorities, we very may well have had yet another mass shooting in this country," said former DHS intelligence chief John Cohen, speaking to ABC News.
"What we have actually found is that in almost every case, an individual who is planning an attack will exhibit behaviors, either online or in the physical world, that represent an articulation of intent to engage in violence," Cohen added.
Police are still confirming details of the intended target and have notified Aurora authorities about the potential threat to the Hindu temple. Prosecutors note that Paporakis suffers from mental health issues and lived with his mother, who they say did not prevent his acquisition of a firearm.
Paporakis appeared in court on Wednesday and remains in custody, with a next hearing scheduled for the end of the month. The investigation continues.
Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid issued a statement expressing concern over the reported plot and praising law-enforcement efforts.