In brief
Police say a 19‑year‑old Taco Bell cashier tried to shoot a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, but a tip from a co‑worker foiled the plot. The suspect, named Alexandros Paporakis, allegedly sent antiracist messages to the coworker, who contacted authorities. Law enforcement found a rifle, hundreds of rounds and extremist writings at the teen’s home. The incident prompted comments from US officials and the temple’s security upgrades.
Police arrest 19‑year‑old on terror‑related charges after tip-off
A Taco Bell cashier in Palatine, Illinois, was arrested Wednesday on charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon after police say a coworker warned them of a planned attack at a Hindu temple in nearby Aurora.
Alexandros Paporakis, 19, told a co‑worker via text on Sunday that he intended to fire a gun at the temple, but the rifle jammed. The coworker, who worked alongside Paporakis, immediately alerted authorities, sparking a swift police response.
Palatine police chief William Nord explained that the tip came after investigators received “concerning electronic communications” from the teen. A search of Paporakis’ home uncovered a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armour and an eight‑page extremist manifesto that described the suspect as a “sociopathic white supremacist neo‑Nazi” and outlined plans for a mass shooting.
Policemen say Paporakis has no known accomplices and likely acted alone. The Hindu temple, which was identified in local media as the intended target, has since upgraded its security measures.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated the incident “adds to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti‑India hate in the United States.” U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois condemned the plot, noting that he and his family worship at the temple and were present there that Sunday.
