Illinois Teen Held in Alleged Hindu Temple Attack Plot

Alexandros Paporakis, 19, was arrested in connection with an alleged plan to attack a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora, Illinois, area, and a judge ordered him held pending trial. The allegations have not been proven in court, and authorities have not confirmed the specific intended location. Palatine police said Paporakis was arrested on October 11, 2026, after Mount Prospect police shared information about electronic communications he allegedly sent. Officers from both departments coordinated the arrest as he was leaving his home. The FBI is assisting the investigation. Prosecutors allege Paporakis traveled to the Aurora area on October 11 and that his rifle jammed. They say he later told a coworker that the weapon had failed and that he left quickly. Court reporting also describes a message in which he allegedly said he could try again after repairing the rifle. The accounts do not establish that he attempted to fire the weapon at a temple, and police have said the location remains unconfirmed. The investigation began after a person reported receiving concerning electronic messages from Paporakis.