Car registered to man accused of planning mass shooting was at Hindu temple he targeted, police say
A 19-year-old man was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in suburban Chicago after his weapon jammed. Police confirmed his vehicle was present at the site days before his arrest, prompting the temple to increase security measures.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the persistent threat of hate-motivated violence against religious institutions in the United States.
CHICAGO — Illinois authorities believe a 19-year-old man charged with planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in suburban Chicago entered the building’s parking lot on Sunday, hours before police arrested him near his home after receiving a tip about the alleged attack plan. Authorities announced Wednesday that they had arrested Alexandros Paporakis and provided the additional detail about his suspected movement during a news conference Thursday. The leaders of Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in a statement said a security threat had “targeted our Temple” and announced an increased security presence. Palatine Police Chief William Nord said a red Acura RDX registered to Paporakis entered a temple parking lot on Sunday around 12:25 p.m. and left less than 15 minutes later. He was seen alone inside the car around 2 p.m. near his home in another suburb.
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