Tip-off foiled US teen suspect's plot to attack Hindu temple, police say

What the report says

Police in suburban Chicago say a 19-year-old Illinois man’s alleged plan to attack a Hindu temple was stopped after a co-worker alerted authorities. Alexandros Paporakis, who worked at a Taco Bell, appeared in court on Wednesday facing charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon.

According to the BBC’s report, investigators said Paporakis sent a message about the planned attack to a colleague on Sunday. Police chief William Nord said those electronic communications led officers to the case. Investigators also said they found writings at Paporakis’ home in Palatine that described white supremacist views and hostility toward non-white people.

Police said a red Honda SUV linked to Paporakis arrived at a Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday lunchtime. Officers believe he attempted to fire a weapon outside the site, but the gun jammed, and he then drove away. NBC Chicago, cited by the BBC, reported that he later messaged a colleague saying the gun had jammed and that he had left quickly. Police say a search of his home turned up a rifle, ammunition, magazines and body armour, along with an eight-page document outlining extremist beliefs and attack plans.

The temple, identified by local media as the intended target, has introduced new security measures. India’s foreign ministry said the case added to concerns about racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US, while Illinois congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said he was horrified by the allegations.