The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday expressed deep concern over the alleged plot of mass firing targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, USA. The ministry termed the plan as anti-Hindu and racist and has also requested the US authorities to ensure the security of the Indian community.
In a statement issued in response to media queries, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has noted the action taken by US law enforcement agencies, including the arrest of the suspect and the charges against him.
Anti-Indian hatred raises concern: External Affairs Ministry
The Ministry of External Affairs further said that today’s incident further heightened the growing concerns about racist animosity and anti-Indian hatred in America. The ministry has called for increased vigilance by adopting a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards hate-motivated violence and taking stringent measures to protect the Indian community.
Regarding the temple shooting conspiracy, India has also asked the US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring the culprits to justice and take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents. The State Department’s response comes as police in the Chicago suburb of Palatine announced the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Papourakis. He faces serious charges including making terroristic threats and illegal possession of firearms.
Accused of planning a mass shooting
According to news agency ‘The Associated Press’ (AP), investigators involved in the investigation after the incident believe that the attacker may have planned to target a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, although the exact location is still under investigation.
Prosecutors allege that Papourakis, who worked at a Taco Bell outlet in Palatine, shared the message with his co-workers through several digital communications. There was also a document detailing an alleged plan for a mass shooting, along with several photographs of tactical gear, i.e. equipment used in the attack.
According to the AP report, lawyers from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said associates of Papourakis informed police that he considered himself a ‘white supremacist’ and expressed a desire to kill people of Indian descent. Prosecutors also alleged that Papourakis also distributed an 8-page document titled “Why I Fought: AKA (Aurora Shooters’ Manifesto),” according to the agency.
The next hearing of the case will be on October 30.
It is also being said that the document used derogatory language for Indians, Jews and African-Americans and planned to kill as many of them as possible. Police and prosecutors said a search of the suspect’s home turned up an AR-style rifle with no serial number, a loaded magazine and ammunition, a gas can with derogatory remarks against South Asians and items with Nazi symbols, the AP reported.
According to the AP, the Mount Prospect and Palatine police departments worked together and arrested Papourakis as he left his home Sunday afternoon. Investigators believe the alleged attack may have been planned on the same day. According to the news agency, Palatine Police Chief William Nord described the alleged threat as serious and said the security of religious sites is a priority for law enforcement agencies.
The news agency reported that during a hearing on Wednesday, a judge ordered that Papourkis be held in custody until the case is heard. He is scheduled to appear in court again on October 30.
