Palatine man charged in alleged mass shooting plot targeting Hindu place of worship

PALATINE, Ill. ( WGN ) — A 19-year-old Palatine man was arrested Sunday after police said he allegedly planned a mass shooting targeting a suburban Hindu place of worship.

The Palatine Police Department was contacted by the Mount Prospect Police Department just after 3:30 p.m. Sunday about a potential mass shooting.

Police said a person reported receiving concerning messages from Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine.

According to police, Paporakis shared a document outlining a plan to carry out a mass shooting. He also sent images of a rifle, rifle magazines, body armor and other tactical equipment.

Police located Paporakis as he was leaving his home in the 1300 block of North Baldwin Court in Palatine and took him into custody.

During a search of Paporakis’ home, police said they found:

Hundreds of rounds of additional rifle ammunition

A tactical vest containing body armor and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism

During the investigation, with assistance from the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, detectives also found a document titled, “Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).”

Police said the document contained statements expressing white supremacist and extremist ideologies, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.

Detectives believe Paporakis may have been planning to carry out an attack Sunday, possibly targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. Police said the specific location has not been confirmed.

Paporakis was charged with one count of making a terrorist threat and one count of unlawful possession of weapons.

Paporakis appeared for a detention hearing Wednesday, where a judge ordered him detained. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, at 9 a.m.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palatine Police Department at 847-359-9000 .

Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public.