Public Safety · Aurora, IL
Palatine Man Charged With Planning Mass Shooting at Aurora Hindu Temple; Security Increased
Illinois authorities arrested Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine on felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a rifle after he allegedly planned a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora. Police say his vehicle entered the temple parking lot around 12:25 p.m. Sunday before he was arrested near his home later that day, following a 911 call from Taco Bell co-workers who reported his threats. Detectives recovered an AR-style rifle without a serial number, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a tactical vest, and a patch depicting Nazi symbolism during a search of his home. Aurora Mayor John Laesch said police are reaching out to other temples in the area, and the temple implemented increased armed security effective immediately. Paporakis' next court hearing is set for Oct. 30.