15 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in the United States over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting that may have targeted a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, Illinois. The case has raised concerns about threats against religious communities after investigators reportedly discovered racist material, weapons and ammunition during the investigation.
The accused, identified as Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on October 11, 2026. He faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon. Authorities are investigating the alleged plot with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
How the Alleged Plot Came to Light
According to police, the investigation began after an individual reported receiving disturbing electronic communications from Paporakis. The information was shared with law enforcement, prompting officers to investigate the possibility of a planned mass shooting.
Investigators reportedly examined messages, photographs and a document allegedly written by the accused that described plans for a mass shooting. Authorities believe a Hindu place of worship in Aurora may have been a potential target, although police have stated that the specific intended location has not been confirmed.
Media reports said Paporakis worked at a Taco Bell restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. A co-worker reportedly became concerned after receiving messages and material that allegedly indicated violent intentions. The information was subsequently brought to the attention of police, helping authorities intervene before the situation could escalate further.
Rifle and Ammunition Recovered
During a search of the accused’s residence, investigators reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment. Police also reported finding items displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.
Investigators examined an eight-page document allegedly authored by Paporakis and titled Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto). According to authorities, the document contained white supremacist and neo-Nazi views, including expressions of hostility towards people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.
Prosecutors reportedly alleged that the document outlined plans for mass violence. The recovered material is part of the ongoing investigation into the accused’s intentions and the possible target of the alleged attack.
Alleged Attempt and Weapon Malfunction
According to court-related reporting, the accused allegedly went out on October 11 with a rifle and ammunition. Prosecutors reportedly said that the weapon malfunctioned during an alleged encounter, after which he left the area.
Investigators also examined communications in which the accused allegedly discussed the incident and shared a video showing a rifle failing to fire. These details form part of the allegations presented by prosecutors and have not been established as proven facts at trial.
The reported weapon malfunction and the information supplied by a co-worker are believed to have played important roles in bringing the case to law enforcement’s attention.