U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Present at Aurora Temple During Foiled Attack

U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi stated that he and his family were at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple in Aurora on October 15, 2026, when a 19-year-old man from Palatine allegedly attempted to carry out a mass shooting at the location. Krishnamoorthi expressed his concern, stating, "I am horrified that a white supremacist attempted to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans at the Hindu temple in Aurora where my family worships." According to information from Cook County prosecutors, the suspect, Alexandros Paporakis, attempted to open fire at the temple, but his rifle jammed. Paporakis reportedly informed co-workers about the incident and mentioned plans to try again, prompting them to alert the police, who arrested him before he could return. Palatine police arrested Paporakis on the evening of October 15 as he left his residence. Investigators discovered a manifesto attributed to him, titled "Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)," which contained statements reflecting white supremacist and extremist ideologies. Additionally, police found weapons, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment, body armor, and a patch associated with white supremacist extremism at his home. Paporakis is currently held in Cook County Jail facing charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons, with a court appearance scheduled for October 30. Palatine Police Chief William Nord confirmed that Paporakis was alone in his planning and had been preparing for some time. His mother, with whom he has been living for approximately a year, has been questioned but is not cooperating with the investigation. Authorities commended the co-worker who reported the plot, with FBI Chicago Field Office acting special agent Lucas Rothaar expressing gratitude for their bravery. Krishnamoorthi highlighted the case as indicative of the dangers posed by anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy, stating, "And we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously." The Consulate General of India issued a statement thanking law enforcement for their timely action and noted that they are in contact with members of the Indian diaspora to monitor developments.