US Police Foil Alleged Mass Shooting Plot Targeting Hindu Temple in Illinois

US police in Chicago announced the foiling of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting after arresting a 19-year-old man suspected of planning to target a Hindu place of worship.

The defendant, Alexandros Papourakis, faces charges related to making terrorist threats and illegal possession of weapons. Investigators believe he was planning to target the largest Hindu temple in the city of Aurora, Illinois, while the specific intended target remains under investigation.

According to prosecutors, the defendant's coworkers reported receiving concerning digital messages, including a document containing an alleged mass shooting plan and images of tactical equipment. They also claimed he expressed support for white supremacy and spoke about his intention to attack people of Indian descent.

During a search of the defendant's apartment, police seized an illegally modified short-barreled rifle, approximately 300 rounds of ammunition, a bulletproof vest, and symbols representing white supremacy. A statement attributed to him titled "Why I Fought" was also found, containing extremist ideas and calls for violence against those of South Asian and Indian descent.

According to investigative reports, the defendant had driven toward the temple last Sunday carrying a rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and wearing body armor, before retreating after his rifle malfunctioned.

The defendant appeared before the Cook County Court, where the judge ordered him held without bail, with a scheduled reappearance on October 30. Meanwhile, local authorities and the FBI reassured the public that there are no ongoing threats currently.