Alexandros Paporakis detained in alleged Aurora plot

Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested and charged in connection with an alleged plan to attack a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora, Illinois, area. A judge ordered him detained pending court proceedings, and his next appearance is scheduled for October 30, 2026. Palatine police said Paporakis was arrested on October 11, after Mount Prospect police passed along information about electronic communications he allegedly shared. Officers from the two departments coordinated his arrest as he was leaving his home. The investigation also involves the FBI. Prosecutors allege Paporakis went to the Aurora area on October 11 and tried to fire a rifle, which jammed. They say he later told a coworker the weapon had failed and that he left quickly. These claims have not been tested in court. Police said investigators believe Paporakis may have planned an attack on a Hindu place of worship in the area, but they have not confirmed a specific intended location. Some reports have named the Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple as a possible target; authorities have not identified it as the intended site.