India has urged the United States to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals after US authorities foiled an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday described the alleged plot as a matter of “deep concern” and called on US authorities to take necessary measures to protect the Indian community.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of the action by US law enforcement agencies against the suspect, 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis.
“We have seen reports about an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois. This is a matter of deep concern for us,” Jaiswal said.
He added that India expected the US to ensure the “safety and security of Indian nationals” in the country.
Teen arrested over alleged temple attack plot
Paporakis was arrested in Palatine, a suburb of Chicago, on October 11 after his co-workers alerted authorities about disturbing text messages, according to prosecutors.
Investigators allege that he had been planning to target Indian people at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, about 65 km west of downtown Chicago.
Prosecutors allege that Paporakis had focused on the temple for around two months and attempted to carry out an attack on October 11. According to the allegations, his rifle malfunctioned when he tried to shoot a man from a car.
Investigators also allege that Paporakis made violent statements about Indian people and had referred to Sunday as a “special day”.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation and have not been established in court.
Investigators recover rifle, ammunition
A search of Paporakis’ residence reportedly led to the recovery of a rifle, multiple loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a tactical vest containing body armour.
Police also recovered a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism, according to the report.
Authorities said their investigation so far indicates that Paporakis appeared to have been acting alone.
The teenager has been charged with making a terrorist threat, a Class X felony, and illegal possession of weapons. He was ordered to remain in custody following a court hearing and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 30.
Alleged manifesto contains anti-Indian views
Investigators also recovered a document attributed to Paporakis titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)”.
According to court records cited by the Chicago Sun-Times, the document allegedly contained white supremacist and extremist views, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage.
The document reportedly expressed hostility towards several minority communities, including Indian, Jewish and African-American people.
Prosecutors have alleged that the writings reflected an intention to carry out mass violence. The investigation into the document and the wider case remains ongoing.
India raises concern over anti-Hindu hate
The latest statement follows an MEA response on Thursday that described the alleged plot as racist and anti-Hindu in nature.
Jaiswal said the reported references to violence against people of Indian origin were “particularly disturbing”.
India has called on US authorities to thoroughly investigate the case, bring those responsible to justice and take steps to prevent similar incidents.
The MEA also flagged broader concerns about racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US.
“There is a need for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence, and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community,” Jaiswal said.
The case remains under investigation in the US.
