A Hindu community in Aurora, Illinois, is grappling with concerns about safety following the discovery of an alleged plot to attack a local temple. Authorities say 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine planned to carry out an assault last Sunday at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple on Sullivan Road.

According to law enforcement, Paporakis’s rifle jammed during the attempted attack, prompting him to inform a co-worker, who then contacted 911. Police intervened before any harm occurred. Officials reported that Paporakis possessed hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a manifesto promoting white supremacist and extremist views. Prosecutors said the attack had been in preparation for nearly two years.

The alleged plot coincided with the first day of Navarathri, a significant nine-day Hindu festival, during which thousands had gathered at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple and hundreds at other local temples, including one led by community leader Piyali Majumder. Speaking on the incident, Majumder described feeling “shaken” and concerned for the safety of worshippers, including her own family.

In response, area temples have implemented heightened security measures, with support from the city of Aurora. Temple leaders at Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple announced the introduction of armed security and maintain ongoing communication with the Aurora Police Department. Aurora police have increased patrols around Hindu places of worship since Sunday, both as a visible deterrent and to offer reassurance to the community, said Public Safety Media Manager Jim Levicki.

Community and city officials convened Thursday with temple leadership to discuss security strategies. Alderman Mike Saville, whose 6th Ward encompasses the temple, characterized the meeting as productive. Alderman Shweta Baid, representing the 10th Ward and a longtime temple attendee, expressed deep concern over the attempted attack. Baid highlighted the temple’s role as a vital hub, offering educational and medical resources in addition to religious functions. She noted that while the community remains peaceful, the incident has left many members feeling unsafe.

Baid also remarked on growing unease among Indian-American families in Aurora, with some parents reporting their children experiencing increased discrimination or hostility. Although she has not observed local tensions directed specifically at the Hindu community, Baid acknowledged a nationwide uptick in hate crimes and vandalism against minority groups.

Aurora Mayor John Laesch attributed the situation to broader national trends of division and hate rhetoric, which he said disproportionately affect minority communities. “This specific threat has impacted the Indian-American community in Aurora and is probably more common than it should be,” he said.

U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was present at the temple on the day of the plot, described the incident as indicative of rising anti-Indian hatred and white supremacist violence. Local leaders emphasized the importance of solidarity and mutual support among Aurora’s diverse communities in the aftermath of the threat.

“We should look out for each other when any one of us is under attack,” Laesch said. Baid echoed the sentiment, stressing that no one should feel unsafe attending their place of worship. “I think we should watch out for each other and just have more love for each other,” she added.