Hindu Temple Shooting Plot: Krishnamoorthi Was There
The Hindu temple shooting plot that unfolded at a temple in Aurora, Illinois, has a startling detail at its center: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Indian-American congressman from Illinois, says he and his family were worshipping there when a white supremacist allegedly attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans.
The congressman disclosed his presence at the Sri Venkateswara Temple on Sunday in a public statement, calling himself horrified that the attack was aimed at the temple where his own family worships.
How the Plot Was Foiled
Authorities arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis after receiving information about a potential mass shooting at the temple. Prosecutors allege the suspect, who held white supremacist and neo-Nazi beliefs, attempted to open fire at the temple on Sunday but his rifle jammed and would not fire.
According to investigators, the suspect later told coworkers about the incident and disclosed plans to return. The coworkers alerted police, leading to his arrest in Palatine, near Chicago, before he could allegedly make another attempt.
Community groups across the country have since urged heightened security at places of worship, and India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, condemned anti-Hindu hatred. India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the alleged plot on Wednesday, describing its reported anti-Hindu and racist nature as deeply disturbing.
Krishnamoorthi Speaks Out
In his statement, Krishnamoorthi said he was grateful to the suspect’s coworkers who alerted law enforcement and commended the officers who intervened, adding that every American deserves to live and worship without fear.
He warned that the plot shows how dangerous anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy have become, arguing that such threats cannot be ignored until innocent people are killed — and calling on Americans to come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk.
Outrage Across the Aisles
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the attempt. Rep. Jamie Raskin called Americans outraged by the planned mass shooting and urged unity against white supremacist violence targeting temples, synagogues, churches and mosques.
Rep. Ro Khanna, himself Hindu American, said he was angered by the attempted attack. Rep. Ami Bera said he was horrified to learn that Krishnamoorthi and his family were at the temple when the attempt occurred, and called on Congress to do more to combat hate-fueled violence and protect communities from such threats. Reps. Rich McCormick and Haley Stevens also expressed outrage.
The incident, first reported broadly on October 15, has triggered widespread concern among Indian-Americans, who are calling for stronger protections for religious gatherings.
Source: The Washington Post