White supremacist’s attempted mass shooting at Hindu temple thwarted after gun jams
Reported by The Independent · October 15, 2026
Arrest and charges
Investigators believe he may have intended to attack the largest Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. Police have not established the exact intended location, and it was not immediately clear whether Paporakis had legal representation.
Statements to coworkers
Prosecutors from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said Paporakis openly identified as a white supremacist at work. They said he told coworkers he could not wait to kill Indian people. He allegedly told Taco Bell coworkers that Sunday would be “a special day,” according to prosecutors.
Alleged plan and gun jam
Prosecutors said Paporakis called a coworker on Sunday and reported that his gun had jammed. He allegedly added that he had left “super fast” without being seen.
Key points
- Investigators believe he may have planned to target Aurora’s largest Hindu temple, but the intended location remains under investigation.
- Prosecutors allege his gun jammed on Sunday and that he left quickly.
- A document prosecutors say he sent to a coworker described a plan for mass murder.