India has urged the United States to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals following an alleged mass-shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) renewed its appeal on Friday after American authorities arrested a teenager accused of planning the attack.
During the ministry’s media briefing on Friday, the spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “This is obviously a matter of deep concern for us. At the same time, it is something that shows or highlights the increasing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian community in the United States. We have taken note of the action that US law enforcement authorities have undertaken following this incident, but we call on the US side to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals in the country.”
India had issued a separate statement on Thursday describing the reported anti-Hindu and racist character of the alleged plot as “particularly disturbing”. The ministry sought a thorough investigation, accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents.
Police trace suspect’s vehicle to Hindu temple
Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested near his home in Palatine, outside Chicago, on Sunday after co-workers reported his alleged threats to police.
He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a short-barrelled rifle.
Investigators recovered an AR-style rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armour and an eight-page document expressing white supremacist views, according to police and prosecutors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting the inquiry.
Police initially said the specific intended location had not been established. Investigators subsequently traced a vehicle registered to Paporakis entering the car park of the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora on Sunday.
Prosecutors alleged that Paporakis told a co-worker he had attempted to shoot someone but his rifle jammed. No injuries were reported, and the account remains an allegation to be tested in court.
Temple strengthens security following alleged plot
The temple said it had increased security following the incident.
Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, who said he was present with family members that day, urged federal authorities to investigate whether the case constituted a hate crime.
Investigators also examined electronic communications and an extremist document allegedly containing threats against people of Indian origin.
Paporakis remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 30. The allegations have not been proven in court, and no formal hate crime charge has been publicly reported.
India’s appeal comes as the investigation continues, with New Delhi seeking preventive measures to protect Indian nationals and religious institutions in the United States.