South Asians for America Condemns Alleged Plot to Attack Hindu Temple in Illinois, Calls for Federal Investigation

AURORA, Ill. — South Asians for America (SAFA) has condemned an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, calling for a federal investigation and stronger security measures to protect religious institutions across the United States.

Police arrested Alexandros Paporakis on Sunday, and prosecutors charged him with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon, both felonies, according to a statement released by SAFA. Officers reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle, at least 300 rounds of ammunition and a tactical vest.

Prosecutors stated that Paporakis openly identified as a white supremacist and made threats against Indian people, according to the organization.

The alleged plot has raised renewed concerns about the safety of Hindu temples and other places of worship, particularly amid a series of incidents involving threats and attacks against religious institutions and South Asian American communities.

The threat reportedly emerged during Navaratri, a major Hindu festival observed by millions of devotees, and approximately two weeks after vandals targeted the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio.

SAFA also cited the 2012 mass shooting at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, as part of a broader history of violence affecting South Asian American religious communities.

SAFA Seeks Federal Action and Increased Temple Security

In response to the alleged plot, SAFA urged the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to review the case for possible federal hate crime and domestic terrorism charges.

The organization also called on Congress and the Illinois General Assembly to expand funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps eligible nonprofit organizations strengthen security against potential threats and attacks.

SAFA said the funding should support religious institutions across faiths, including Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, mosques, churches and synagogues.

The organization further urged elected officials at the federal, state and local levels to publicly condemn the alleged plot and reject rhetoric targeting immigrants and people of Indian descent.

The calls reflect concerns that threats against places of worship require both law enforcement action and preventive measures to help religious communities protect congregants and facilities.

‘No Family Should Fear for Their Lives While They Pray’

Neha Dewan, national co-director of South Asians for America, said the alleged threat underscored the importance of ensuring that families can worship without fear.

“No family should fear for their lives while they pray,” Dewan said. “SAFA will continue to mobilize and demand accountability until every community worships in safety.”

Harini Krishnan, the organization’s other national co-director, said the incident highlighted the need for community organizing and greater attention to hate-motivated violence.

“White supremacist violence targets our communities because of who we are and how we worship,” Krishnan said. “Our answer is organizing.”

Krishnan also encouraged South Asians to report threats to law enforcement, check on their neighbors and local places of worship, and raise questions about hate violence and gun safety with candidates ahead of the November elections.

Renewed Focus on Religious Freedom and Community Safety

The alleged plot has added to concerns among Hindu and other South Asian American communities about threats directed at religious institutions and people of Indian heritage.

Temples and gurdwaras often serve as more than places of worship, functioning as community centers where families gather for religious observances, cultural programs and social activities. Threats against these institutions can therefore affect entire communities.

SAFA’s response calls for a combination of law enforcement accountability, security funding and public leadership to address such threats.

The organization emphasized that protecting religious institutions should extend across faith communities and remain a matter of public safety and religious freedom.

The charges against Paporakis are allegations, and the case will proceed through the legal system.

South Asians for America is a civic organization focused on engaging South Asian Americans in public life and advocating on issues affecting their communities.