A 19-year-old Greek American man from Palatine, Illinois, has been charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons after authorities said they uncovered a suspected mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in suburban Chicago.
Alexandros Paporakis was arrested Sunday at his apartment in Palatine after a co-worker alerted police to threatening statements and messages, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Prosecutors said Paporakis possessed an AR-style rifle, approximately 300 rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment. Investigators allege he intended to kill as many people from minority communities as possible.
Co-Worker Alerted Police
According to court documents, Paporakis wrote an eight-page manifesto containing racist language and threats directed particularly at people of Indian descent.
Prosecutors said he described himself as a white supremacist and neo-Nazi and expressed an intention to carry out an attack even if it resulted in his own death.
Investigators said Paporakis had communicated with a co-worker at a Taco Bell restaurant in Arlington Heights, sending a video of an AR-style rifle and a photograph of himself wearing a tactical vest.
The co-worker subsequently contacted police, leading to Paporakis’ arrest.
Court records also allege that Paporakis claimed to have previously attempted to shoot a man, but that his firearm malfunctioned. Prosecutors said he had been planning an attack for approximately two years.
Police are investigating those claims and have not independently confirmed all the alleged details.
Hindu Temple Identified as Possible Target
Palatine police said investigators believe a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, may have been the intended target. Authorities notified the Aurora Police Department about the potential threat but said they were still working to establish whether a specific location had been selected.
Former Department of Homeland Security intelligence official John Cohen told ABC7 that the intervention by local authorities may have prevented a mass shooting.
“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,” Cohen said.
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the alleged plot and thanked the co-worker and police officers involved.
“I am horrified that a white supremacist allegedly attempted to massacre Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in Aurora,” Krishnamoorthi said.
Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid also condemned the reported threats against worshippers and expressed support for the local Hindu community.
Paporakis appeared in court Wednesday and was ordered held in custody pending further proceedings. His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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