US temple attack plot: Teen’s alleged manifesto describes Indians as ‘subhumans’
A 19-year-old white supremacist was arrested after his plan to attack a Hindu temple near Chicago was thwarted by a malfunctioning rifle. Authorities discovered a manifesto and tactical gear, leading to charges related to his intent to commit a mass shooting.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the rising threat of domestic terrorism and hate crimes targeting minority religious communities in the United States.
TOI correspondent from Washington: A malfunctioning rifle stood between a 19-year old white supremacist and his alleged intention to massacre Indians at a temple near Chicago. Alexandros Paporakis’s plan reportedly came unstuck when his gun got jammed and he contacted a co-worker to say he had escaped “super-fast” and was trying to figure out how to fix the issue so he could carry out the attack later.He subsequently shared electronic messages showing an AR-style rifle failing to fire, along with a photograph of himself wearing a tactical vest.The communications alarmed two colleagues, who then contacted 911. Police from Palatine and neighbouring Mount Prospect coordinated their response and arrested Paporakis as he was leaving his home that afternoon.Local TV footage showed a young man being handcuffed by the police in a parking lot and being taken away.
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