US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and his family were inside a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, on Sunday when a 19-year-old man allegedly attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans.
My family and I were worshipping at our Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday when a white supremacist attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans. I’m grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy, but we must come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk.
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) October 15, 2026
The Schaumburg Democrat said he was horrified by the incident, describing the alleged attack as an act of white supremacist violence.
According to Krishnamoorthi, the suspect, Alexandros Paporakis, allegedly attempted to fire his rifle inside the temple, but the weapon jammed. The suspect later reportedly discussed the incident with co-workers and expressed plans to attempt another attack.
The co-workers alerted authorities, leading to Paporakis’ arrest before he could allegedly return to the temple.
Palatine police said Paporakis was arrested outside his home on Sunday evening. Investigators subsequently recovered a manifesto titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto),” which allegedly contained white supremacist and extremist views.
Officers also found weapons, ammunition, tactical gear, body armor and a patch reportedly linked to white supremacist extremism.
Paporakis is being held at Cook County Jail on charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing weapons. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 30.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India thanked law enforcement for its timely intervention and said it was monitoring developments while remaining in contact with members of the Indian diaspora.
