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Palatine police say mass shooting plot thwarted, possibly targeting Aurora house of worship
ABC7 Chicago • • nation
Key Points:
- Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old Palatine man, was arrested and charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons after a co-worker reported his racially motivated violent plans targeting minorities.
- Investigators found Paporakis had an AR-style rifle, 300 rounds of ammunition, tactical gear, and an eight-page manifesto expressing hatred toward minorities, specifically targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
- Prosecutors revealed Paporakis identified himself as a "sociopathic white supremacist Neo Nazi" and had been planning the attack for two years, with a prior attempt to fire his gun that jammed.
- Authorities credited the quick reporting by Paporakis' co-worker and law enforcement intervention for preventing a potential mass shooting, while emphasizing the need for better public awareness and resources to stop such attacks.
- Aurora officials condemned the threat, reaffirming their commitment to religious freedom, public safety, and community unity against hatred and intolerance.
