The Government of India has strongly reacted to the thwarted mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora-Palatine area of Illinois, expressing deep concern over rising instances of racist hostility and anti-India hate in the United States.
MEA Flags Anti-Hindu and Racist Plot
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a formal statement addressing the gravity of the incident, following the arrest of a 19-year-old local resident.
US law enforcement previously apprehended the suspect, Alexandros Paporakis, after recovering a manifesto containing white supremacist ideologies alongside tactical gear, weapons, and explicit references targeting people of Indian descent.
”We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois. The reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing,” Jaiswal stated.
Call for Greater Vigilance and Security
While acknowledging the swift intervention and arrest made by local US authorities and the FBI, New Delhi emphasized that the alarming development highlights a broader pattern of hate-motivated hostility.
- Zero Tolerance: The MEA stressed the pressing need for greater institutional vigilance and a zero-tolerance policy toward hate crimes.
- Expectation of Justice: India has urged American authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation, bring all accountable parties to justice, and implement robust safeguards to ensure the safety and security of the Indian diaspora.
The suspect remains in judicial custody pending further legal proceedings as local and federal agencies continue their investigation into the foiled attack.
