Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Urges FBI Hate Crime Investigation Into Alleged Plot to Attack Chicago-Area Hindu Temple

WASHINGTON–Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is calling on FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate an alleged white supremacist plot to attack a Hindu temple near Chicago as a potential federal hate crime, revealing that his elderly parents were among the worshippers who could have been targeted.

The Illinois Democrat described his family’s experience in an opinion article published in the Chicago Tribune, recounting how an armed suspect allegedly planned an attack on a temple in Aurora while his family was participating in Navaratri celebrations.

“On Oct. 11, the first day of Navaratri, my family and I were worshipping at our Hindu temple in Aurora,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “My 80-year-old mother and 87-year-old father were singing Hindu prayers to celebrate one of the most important holidays of our faith.”

According to Krishnamoorthi, the suspect was a 19-year-old man who allegedly identified as a white supremacist and was armed with an AR-style rifle and approximately 300 rounds of ammunition.

“Little did we know a 19-year-old white supremacist was waiting outside with an AR-style rifle and roughly 300 rounds of ammunition, according to police,” he wrote.

Citing prosecutors, Krishnamoorthi said the suspect attempted to shoot a passerby, but his rifle malfunctioned.

The suspect subsequently told a coworker that he intended to return to the temple, prompting the coworker to notify law enforcement authorities.

Officers from the Palatine and Mount Prospect police departments arrested the suspect before he could carry out the alleged plan.

“I cannot explain why the rifle jammed, but I consider it nothing short of a miracle,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “That malfunction saved countless lives, including those of my own family.”

Court documents cited by the congressman indicated that the suspect had written a manifesto expressing hatred toward multiple racial and religious communities.

The manifesto reportedly referred to Indian, Jewish and Black people as “subhumans” and described its author as a “sociopathic white supremacist neo-Nazi filled with hatred.”

Krishnamoorthi argued that the alleged plot reflects a broader increase in hostility directed toward Indian Americans across the United States.

He cited research released in September indicating that monthly anti-South Asian hate posts on X increased by 240% between January 2024 and June 2026.

He also referred to findings from Stop AAPI Hate showing that 48% of South Asian adults experienced a race-based hate incident in 2025.

“The recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.

The congressman accused political figures, media personalities and government institutions of contributing to an environment in which anti-Indian rhetoric has become increasingly visible.

“Political candidates, media figures and even our own government have helped promote the idea that Indian Americans are foreigners who threaten this country,” he wrote.

Krishnamoorthi pointed to several recent incidents involving political figures and activists.

He cited Republican candidate Bo French, who circulated photographs of South Asian students celebrating a University of Texas football victory, as well as a podcast episode titled “The Indian Question,” featuring conservative activist Christopher Rufo and Jonathan Keeperman discussing the assimilation of Indian Americans.

He also criticized far-right activist Jake Lang, who told a Frisco, Texas, City Council meeting: “The Hindus and the Muslims are teaming up to take over Texas.”

Other examples included a Department of Homeland Security deportation graphic depicting a character labeled “Mr Singh” as a villain.

Krishnamoorthi also highlighted remarks by Palm Bay, Florida, City Councilman Chandler Langevin, who called for the government to “deport every Indian immediately.”

According to the congressman, Langevin subsequently described him as a “foreign occupier” and sent him a message in September stating: “I won Rajesh. Take your curry and go home.”

Krishnamoorthi called on Patel to prioritize the investigation of the Aurora incident and take broader action against anti-Indian hatred.

He urged the FBI to investigate the alleged temple attack as a potential federal hate crime, improve the collection of hate crime statistics to identify incidents specifically targeting Indian Americans, and allocate additional resources toward combating domestic violent extremism.

The congressman also criticized what he characterized as misplaced federal law enforcement priorities, calling for greater attention to extremist threats “instead of fruitless election-fraud investigations.”

He further urged Congress to address legal protections that he believes have allowed major technology companies to avoid responsibility for harmful content on their platforms.

The latest appeal follows an earlier letter led by Krishnamoorthi and signed by 105 lawmakers, including every Indian American member of Congress, requesting a written response from Patel by October 29.

As of the deadline, no response from the FBI had been made public.

The suspect in the Aurora case currently faces state charges, with no federal charges announced. His next court appearance was scheduled for October 30.

Krishnamoorthi concluded his appeal by emphasizing the importance of cooperation among communities facing discrimination and extremist violence.

“No community can defeat bigotry on its own,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “We must stand against antisemitism, anti-Black racism and hatred directed at Muslims, Latinos and every other community, just as we ask our fellow Americans to stand with us.” (Source: IANS)