U.S. lawmakers express outrage over foiled plot to attack Hindu temple in Illinois
U.S. lawmakers have condemned a foiled plot by a 19-year-old to attack a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. The suspect was arrested after his rifle jammed, and officials are treating the incident as a serious act of hate-motivated violence.
Why it matters
The incident has sparked national concern regarding the rise of anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice and the prevalence of white supremacist threats in the U.S.
U.S. lawmakers express outrage over foiled plot to attack Hindu temple in Illinois left A security vehicle is parked outside of Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, Ill., Thursday (October 15, 2026). AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/r4jftd/article71590995.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Thwarted_Shooting_Illinois_48734.jpg Laura Bargfeld A security vehicle is parked outside of Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, Ill., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld) Indian-American Congressman from Illinois, Raja Krishnamoorthi, said he and his family were at the temple when the 19-year-old man’s planned attack failed New York Top U.S. lawmakers, leaders and civil society members have strongly condemned the plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois, calling for efforts to combat growing anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice in America. Alexandros Paporakis (19) from Palatine was arrested on October 11 for attempting to carry out a mass shooting at the temple in the Aurora area.
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