Chicago: The Consulate General of India in Chicago has reacted to reports of an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, Illinois, saying it is in touch with members of the Indian diaspora and closely monitoring developments.
In a statement, the consulate acknowledged reports of the foiled attack and commended law enforcement authorities for their timely intervention.
“The Consulate is aware of reports concerning a foiled attempt to target a place of worship in Aurora, Illinois. We appreciate the timely action by law enforcement authorities,” the statement said.
The consulate added that it was maintaining contact with members of the Indian community as the investigation continued.
“We are in touch with members of the Indian diaspora and are closely monitoring developments,” it said.
The statement comes after US authorities arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting that could have targeted a Hindu temple in Aurora.
According to investigators, Paporakis allegedly travelled to the temple on October 11 with a rifle and ammunition but was unable to fire his weapon after it reportedly malfunctioned. He is accused of returning home and subsequently contacting a colleague, who alerted authorities.
Police said a search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a rifle, ammunition, tactical equipment and a document containing white supremacist and extremist rhetoric, including references to violence against people of Indian descent.
Paporakis faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been established in court.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of Hindu places of worship and the Indian diaspora in the US. Local law enforcement agencies have coordinated outreach to Hindu religious institutions following the alleged plot, while investigators continue to examine the evidence and determine whether additional charges are warranted.
