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Palatine police give update on thwarted alleged mass shooting plot in Aurora
ABC7 Chicago • • nation
Key Points:
- Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old Palatine resident, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, with police recovering an AR-style rifle, ammunition, tactical gear, and a manifesto filled with racist and hateful language.
- The plot was uncovered after a co-worker at a Taco Bell alerted authorities following alarming behavior, including Paporakis sending a video of his weapon and a photo of himself in tactical gear.
- Investigators believe Paporakis acted alone and had been planning the attack for about two years, with mental health issues cited; his mother, with whom he lived, is not cooperating with the investigation.
- Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of public vigilance in reporting threats and praised the co-worker's actions for preventing a potential tragedy.
- Aurora city officials condemned the planned attack, reaffirming their commitment to religious freedom, public safety, and community unity against hatred and intolerance.
