Who is Alexandros Paporakis? India condemns US teen's mass shooting bid at Hindu temple: 'Deeply concerned'

After a mass shooting attempt at a Hindu temple in the United States was foiled by the local authorities, India has raised concerns over anti-Hindu violence and racist hostility against Indians in the country.

"We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois. The reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing," said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday.

Who is Alexandros Paporakis?

US law enforcement authorities have arrested a 19-year-old identified as Alexandros Paporakis in the case. Paporakis is a Taco Bell cashier and identified himself as a White supremacist at his workplace, said reports.

His alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, was thwarted after the Palatine Police Department received information about it from the Mount Prospect Police Department on October 11. Reports suggested that a co-worker who received electronic communications from Paporakis tipped off the police about a possible attempt to carry out mass shooting at  Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora.

Responding to the plot, the temple authorities released a statement, saying, "Please know that the safety of our devotees, employees and volunteers is our highest priority, and we have implemented additional security measures effective immediately, including an increased armed security presence at the Temple from 9am to 9pm, and we are taking additional steps to ensure an ongoing safe environment for everyone at the Temple." 

The suspect reportedly shared a document outlining an alleged mass shooting plan as well as images of a AR-style rifle, loaded magazines, body armour and tactical equipment. 

These weapons were later recovered from his residence along with a gas canister labelled with a slur targeting South Asians and other items depicting Nazi symbolism. FBI also recovered an eight-page document from Paporakis titled, "Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)", reports AP. It referred to Indian, Jewish and African American people as "subhumans" and detailed a plot to kill as many of them as possible.

Jaiswal said that India has noted the action taken by US authorities, including the suspect's arrest and the charges against him. "This incident adds to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US. There is a need for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence, and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community. We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents," he added.