Palatine Police Detail Arrest of 19-Year-Old Charged with Terrorist Threat Over Planned Temple Attack
Police in Palatine, Illinois, disclosed that a 19-year-old suspect was arrested after a coworker reported a potential mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, leading to multiple weapons charges.
Palatine police announced Thursday that Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested on charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon after investigators linked him to a planned attack on a Hindu place of worship in Aurora. The suspect, who has lived with his mother in Palatine for about a year, allegedly drove a red Acura into the temple’s parking lot and was found in possession of an AR-style rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a tactical vest, a gas can and items bearing Nazi symbols.
Police said a coworker at a Taco Bell in Arlington Heights alerted authorities after the suspect sent a video of the rifle and a photo of himself in the vest. The coworker reported the behavior to police, prompting the arrest at the suspect’s Palatine apartment on Sunday.
"Our investigation has revealed and confirmed as of right now that he has been alone in this planning," Palatine Police Chief Bill Nord said at a press conference.
Court documents indicate the suspect authored an eight-page manifesto containing derogatory language and targeting people of Indian descent. Prosecutors noted the manifesto expressed a desire to kill minorities before committing suicide.
Former Department of Homeland Security intelligence chief John Cohen, speaking to the ABC7 investigative team, said the case illustrates typical warning signs of violent intent and emphasized the need for public awareness and resources to prevent similar threats.
"We need to do a better job educating the public on what to look for and what to report, and we need to provide more resources to localities so they can rapidly take steps to prevent shootings," Cohen added.
Federal and local officials urged the public to report any threats promptly. Lucas Rothaar, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago field office, emphasized the importance of allowing investigators to assess credibility of reported threats.
Aurora alderwoman Shweta Baid released a statement expressing concern for the safety of worshippers and reaffirming the city’s commitment to religious freedom and public safety.