Illinois Authorities Detail Alleged Mass Shooting Plot at Hindu Temple
On Wednesday, a 19-year-old named Alexandros Paporakis was apprehended and charged with plotting a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple located in the Chicago suburbs. Palatine Police Chief William Nord reported that a red Acura RDX belonging to Paporakis was seen entering the temple parking lot on Sunday at approximately 12:25 p.m., departing less than 15 minutes later. Around 2 p.m., he was spotted alone in the vehicle near his residence in a different suburb. Facing felony charges for making a terrorist threat and illegal possession of a rifle, Paporakis allegedly told Taco Bell co-workers he "couldn't wait to kill Indian people," declaring Sunday a "special day." Temple officials announced heightened security measures following the threat.
Key facts
- Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested Wednesday and charged with planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in suburban Chicago.
- A red Acura RDX registered to Paporakis entered the temple car park on Sunday around 12:25 p.m. and left less than 15 minutes later, according to Palatine Police Chief William Nord.
- Paporakis was seen alone in the car around 2 p.m. near his home in another suburb.
- He faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a rifle.
- Prosecutors said co-workers at a Taco Bell location called 911 after Paporakis told them he 'couldn't wait to kill Indian people' and said Sunday would be the 'special day.'
- Paporakis told co-workers his rifle jammed at the suburban Chicago site.
- The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple leaders said a security threat had 'targeted our Temple' and announced an increased security presence.
- Authorities provided the additional detail about his suspected movement during a news conference Thursday.
Entities
Institutions
- Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple
- Palatine Police Department
- Taco Bell
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Illinois
- Palatine