Teen's Mass Shooting Plot At Hindu Temple Thwarted After Coworker Warns Police: FBI

PALATINE, IL — A coworker's decision to report threatening communications helped authorities disrupt an alleged mass shooting plot involving a Palatine teenager whose SUV was traced to an Aurora Hindu temple, law enforcement officials said Thursday.

Palatine Police Chief William Nord and FBI Chicago Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucas Rothaar credited the person who came forward with bringing the alleged threat to investigators' attention before officers arrested Alexandros Paporakis, 19, Sunday evening.

"Their willingness to report these communications played a vital role in bringing this matter to the attention of law enforcement," Nord said during a Thursday news conference.

RELATED: Palatine Teen Charged In Alleged Mass Shooting Plan Targeting Hindu Worship Site

Investigators confirmed Paporakis' red Acura RDX entered the temple's parking lot around 12:25 p.m. Oct. 11, and left around 12:38 p.m. The SUV was observed back in Palatine shortly before 2 p.m. along Rand Road near his residence, Nord said.

Paporakis appeared to be driving and was alone in the vehicle when it was observed returning to Palatine. Police said their investigation so far indicates he acted alone in planning the alleged attack. Authorities have identified no known ongoing threat to the public associated with the case.

"I want to emphasize that the seriousness of this alleged threat cannot be overstated," Nord said.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a Thursday social media post that he and his family were worshipping at their Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday when what he described as an attempted mass shooting occurred.

"I'm grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy, but we must come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk," Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Police said Thursday they had confirmed the suspect's SUV entered a temple parking lot but had not verified whether his rifle malfunctioned.

Coworker's Report Prompted Response

Mount Prospect police notified Palatine police Sunday after receiving information from someone who had received concerning electronic communications from Paporakis, Nord said.

Paporakis worked as a Taco Bell cashier, The Associated Press is reporting.

Officers from both departments coordinated their response and took him into custody that evening. A search of his residence recovered a rifle, loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of rounds of rifle ammunition, body armor and other tactical equipment.

Asked about the timing of the report and communications that reportedly spanned multiple days, officials said investigators were still examining the timeline. They emphasized that the information communicated Sunday prompted an immediate response.

Rothaar said only one person came forward, and urged others who encounter threats to report them rather than try to determine their credibility themselves.

"I encourage the public to let law enforcement do the job of making that assessment," he said. "The sooner we get that information, the sooner we can do that job."

Rifle Malfunction Remains Unconfirmed

Police said Thursday they have not confirmed whether Paporakis' rifle malfunctioned, a detail that had emerged in accounts of the alleged plot.

Information about a possible malfunction came from a communication to an associate and a video that possibly showed the gun jamming. Investigators have not established whether the video was recorded in a parking lot, at a residence or inside a vehicle.

The SUV's movements were confirmed through coordination with Aurora police Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Nord said. Authorities declined to identify the temple publicly. Police said information developed during the investigation indicated Paporakis was looking for a large Hindu temple.

An eight-page document attributed to him suggested he had been planning an attack for some time, according to police. Investigators are still trying to determine why Oct. 11 was significant to him and are working to corroborate details in the document.

Electronic devices recovered during the search of his residence are being examined at the FBI's Chicago Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory. Palatine police said they had no prior contact with Paporakis.

FBI Pledges Support

Rothaar said FBI agents and task force officers have been coordinating with Palatine police since Sunday. He pledged continued investigative support and addressed members of the Indian and Hindu communities affected by the news.

"The FBI has zero tolerance for any acts of violence or threats made against the public driven by those attempting to impose their hateful ideologies," he said.

The FBI is communicating with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, which is in contact with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, as authorities consider how to proceed.

Charges And Court Appearance

As Patch previously reported, Paporakis faces one count of making a terrorist threat, a Class X felony, and one count of unlawfully possessing a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches, a Class 3 felony. A judge ordered him detained Wednesday in Rolling Meadows.

Police previously said investigators examining electronic communications and a document attributed to Paporakis found expressions of white supremacist ideology and references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly Indian descent. Aurora police notified Hindu places of worship about the potential threat.

Paporakis' next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 30 in Rolling Meadows.

Deputy Chief David Brandwein said police will provide additional updates as information becomes available for release. Anyone with information about the case can contact the Palatine Police Department’s tip line at 847-963-6499 or email crimetips@palatine.il.us.

Emergencies should be reported to 911. Information can also be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. FBI tips can be submitted anonymously.

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