PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) — Palatine police released more details Thursday about a man accused of planning a mass shooting.
The nineteen year old lives in Palatine, but police believe he was plotting an attack in Aurora.
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Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi said he and his family were at the Balaji Temple in Aurora when the suspect drove into the parking lot.
At a press conference Thursday morning, police said the suspect has been living in Palatine with his mother for about a year and there was no prior contact with police. Police said the mother is not cooperating with the investigation.
Police also said they believe he was acting alone.
Police said it was a co-worker of the suspect that alerted authorities about the potential mass shooting.
Alexandros Paporakis, 19, is charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Police in Palatine gave an update on their investigation after a man was charged in connection with an alleged plot to conduct a mass shooting in Aurora.
Detectives believe the suspect may have been targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora.
Investigators said the suspect had allegedly planned on carrying the attack last Sunday.
Palatine police revealing Thursday that they recovered surveillance video of the suspect driving a red Acura and entering the parking lot of a Hindu temple in Aurora.
At his Palatine condo, investigators said they found an AR-style rifle with no serial number, hundreds of rounds of ammunition , a tactical vest, gas can, and items with Nazi symbolism. P
Paporakis penned an eight-page manifesto using derogatory and racially charged slurs and specifically targeted people of Indian descent at a Hindu house of worship, according to court documents in the case. He pledged he would die himself, but not before killing as many minorities as possible, prosecutors said.
“Our investigation has revealed and confirmed as of right now that he has been alone in this planning,” Palatine Police Chief Bill Nord said. “He did reveal some details in the manifesto that he’s been planning this for some time. We are still trying to determine why the October 11 dates was significant to them.”
Paporakis was in contact with a co-worker at a Taco Bell in Arlington Heights, according to investigators, who said he became manic over the weekend culminating with him sending a video of an A-R style rifle and a photo of himself wearing a tactical vest. That co-worker then called police. Palatine police arrested Paporakis on Sunday at his Palatine apartment and say they found an A-R style rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and other tactical gear.
In pretrial detention documents obtained by the ABC7 I-Team, prosecutors said Paporakis described himself as a “sociopathic white supremacist Neo Nazi filled with hatred” who drove to a location, attempted to fire his gun at a man, but the gun jammed. He had been planning the attack for two years, according to court records.
Former DHS Intel Chief John Cohen told the ABC7 I-Team according to Paproakis’s coworker there were signs something was wrong.
“What we have actually found is that in almost every case, an individual who is planning an attack will exhibit behaviors, either online or in the physical world, that represent an articulation of intent to engage in violence,” said Cohen.
Prosecutors said Paporakis suffers from mental health issues and lived with his mother who they say failed to prevent Paporakis from making violent plans and purchasing a firearm.
“We need to do a better job educating the public on what to look for and what to report, and we need to do a better job and provide more resources to localities so that they can rapidly take steps to prevent the shooting from occurring,” Cohen told the I-Team.
A judge ordered that the suspect be held in custody.
Investigators said additional charges are possible and are encouraging the public speak up to prevent possible attacks like this from happening.
“For all those listening in the public i implore you, follow the steps of this brave individual. immediately report any threats or acts of violence,” Lucas Rothaar, FBI Chicago Field Office special agent in charge, said. “Let authorities do our jobs as dedicated investigators to determine the credibility and the Next path forward.”
The Balaji Temple said in a statement, “As you may have seen or heard in the news, there was a recent security threat that targeted Hindu Temples in Aurora. We want to assure you that Balaji Temple is fully aware of the situation and has been in direct communication with the Aurora Police Department. Please know that the safety of our devotees, employees and volunteers is our highest priority, and we have implemented additional security measures effective immediately, including increased armed security presence at the Temple 9am to 9pm and are taking additional steps to ensure an ongoing safe environment for everyone at the Temple.”
Aurora Alderwoman Shweta Baid shared the following statement Wednesday evening:
“Iam deeply saddened by the news of the reported attempted shooting targeting devotees at the Hindu temple in Aurora. No one should ever feel unsafe while practicing their faith or gathering in a place of worship or anywhere. Such threats are unacceptable and have no place in our community. I commend law enforcement for their efforts to protect our residents and places of worship. I stand in solidarity with all the community members and reaffirm our shared commitment to religious freedom, public safety, and mutual respect. City of Aurora’s strength lies in its diversity, compassion, and unity. We must stand together against hatred and intolerance and ensure that every resident feels safe, respected, and welcome, regardless of their faith or background.”
Illinois U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi shared the following statement Wednesday evening:
“I am horrified that a white supremacist allegedly attempted to massacre Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in Aurora. This is where the poison of anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy can lead, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take it seriously. I am grateful to the coworkers who sounded the alarm and the law enforcement officers who intervened. Every American deserves to live and worship without fear, and we must stand together against hatred in all its forms.”
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