Suspected mass shooting plot at Hindu temple thwarted near Chicago

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 05:44 · Archive

Police arrested a 19-year-old man suspected of planning to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois after his gun jammed.

Police in the Chicago suburb of Palatine announced Wednesday that they had thwarted a potential mass shooting, arresting 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier from Palatine, Illinois. Investigators believe he planned to target the largest Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, though the exact intended location remains under investigation. He faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing weapons.

Paporakis's co-workers reported concerning digital communications to police, including a document outlining an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting and photographs of tactical gear. According to prosecutors from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Paporakis openly identified as a white supremacist at work and told co-workers he could not wait to kill Indian people. He allegedly told co-workers that Sunday was going to be 'a special day'.

Police located and arrested Paporakis while he was leaving his home on Sunday afternoon, the same day detectives believe he may have planned to carry out an attack. Prosecutors said Paporakis called a coworker earlier that Sunday, saying his gun had jammed and he had left 'super fast' without being seen. Palatine Police Chief William Nord said: 'The seriousness of this alleged threat cannot be overstated', adding that protecting places of worship is a law enforcement priority.

How it is being reported

• White supremacist’s attempted mass shooting at Hindu temple in Chicago thwarted after gun jamsAlexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier from Palatine, Illinois, faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing weaponsIndependent World · 15 Oct, 05:27
• Hindu temple mass shooting thwarted after ‘sociopathic white supremacist’ teen’s gun jammed near ChicagoAlexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier from Palatine, Illinois, faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing weapons.New York Post · 15 Oct, 03:54

In this story: Alexandros Paporakis · Palatine · Aurora, Illinois · Chicago · Cook County State's Attorney's Office

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