Mass Shooting Plot Against Hindus Adds to Concerns Over Racist Hostility, Anti-India Hate in US: MEA

India on Thursday, October 15, expressed concern over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) flagging growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the United States. New Delhi urged US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring those responsible to justice and take necessary measures to protect the Indian community.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, as “particularly disturbing”. India also welcomed the action taken by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest of the suspect and the charges filed against him.

The statement came after US police arrested a 19-year-old man accused of planning an attack that could have targeted a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect have not been established in court. US: 19 Year Old Charged in Alleged Mass Shooting Plot at Hindu Temple in Palatine, Illinois.

MEA Flags Growing Anti-India Hate in the US

Jaiswal said the alleged plot added to concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the United States. He called for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community.

“We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” the MEA spokesperson said. India’s response followed reports that the alleged attacker had expressed white supremacist views and shared material describing plans for mass violence against people of Indian descent and other minority communities.

What We Know About the Alleged Hindu Temple Shooting Plot

According to US authorities, the suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested in Palatine, Illinois, on October 11. Police said the investigation began after a person alerted them to disturbing electronic communications that allegedly included a document outlining a mass shooting plan and images of tactical equipment.

Prosecutors alleged that Paporakis openly identified as a white supremacist at his workplace and made threats against Indian people. An eight-page document titled “Why I fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto)” reportedly contained extremist and racist statements targeting Indian, Jewish and African American people. Investigators believe a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area may have been the intended target. However, authorities have said the specific location remains under investigation.

During a search of the suspect’s home, police reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle, ammunition, loaded magazines and items displaying Nazi symbolism. The suspect faces felony charges related to making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing weapons. A court ordered him to remain in custody before trial, and his next court appearance is scheduled for October 30, according to reports by The Associated Press.

Indian Consulate Welcomes US Law Enforcement Action

The Consulate General of India in Chicago also welcomed the action taken by US law enforcement authorities. The consulate said it was in contact with members of the Indian diaspora and was monitoring developments. The alleged plot has renewed concerns about the safety of Indian-origin communities and places of worship in the United States. India has called on US authorities to ensure that the case is investigated thoroughly and that appropriate steps are taken to prevent hate-motivated violence. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the accused will be subject to judicial proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2026 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).