A 19-year-old transgender individual, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, following a tip from a coworker. Authorities reported that Paporakis, who identified as a neo-Nazi, was armed with a modified rifle and approximately 300 rounds of ammunition when he drove to the temple but returned home after the rifle malfunctioned. Paporakis faces felony charges for making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon.
A Cook County judge ordered Paporakis to be held without bond and mandated healthcare provisions for hormone injections related to gender transition, as well as treatment for ADHD, depression, and anxiety. After returning home, Paporakis allegedly searched online for ways to fix the rifle and informed a colleague of his intent to carry out the attack, prompting the coworker to report the threat to law enforcement.
Police were able to identify Paporakis through a vehicle registered in his name and obtained surveillance footage showing him at the temple. A subsequent search of his residence yielded a rifle, ammunition, tactical gear, and an eight-page manifesto expressing violent and racist ideologies, including hatred towards various racial and ethnic groups. Paporakis described himself in the manifesto as a sociopathic white supremacist and referred to his planned attack as the work of the 'Aurora Shooter.'
The next court appearance for Paporakis is scheduled for October 30. The Hindu temple has increased its security measures in response to the threat, emphasizing the safety of its community members as a priority.