Thwarted temple shooting plan rattles Chicago-area Hindus during Navaratri

Prosecutors say Alexandros Paporakis, 19, arrived at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, Illinois, on Oct. 11 while worshippers gathered to begin Navaratri, but left without firing because his rifle jammed. He was arrested later that day near his home in Palatine, Illinois, about 40 miles away after a Taco Bell co-worker alerted authorities to his plan to “kill Indian people.”

Paporakis faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a firearm and is due back in court on Friday morning.

“A lot of us are just really appalled and just kind of disgusted.”

Members of the targeted temple and other local Hindus said they are determined to celebrate the holidays without fear and to press for ways to address hatred directed at the community. Asha Rao, executive director of The Chicago Kasam, said many people are appalled and disgusted.

Navaratri is a nine-night celebration of the Goddess Durga that leads into Dussehra or Vijayadashami, with Diwali following about three weeks later. Many people traditionally break the nine-night fast with a large celebration on the 10th day featuring outdoor fairs and gatherings.

This year those events have been shaped by discussions about increasing security. Avatans Kumar, a freelance columnist who occasionally attends the temple, said people are more vigilant and are watching for any signs of disturbance.

Rao said some people were more hesitant to leave home because of the incident.