Neo-Nazi Temple Attack Plot Suspect to Get Hormone Care in Jail

A 19-year-old transgender suspect accused of planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in suburban Chicago will remain jailed without bond and continue receiving hormone treatment while in custody, according to officials and local reports. Authorities say the alleged attack was stopped after one of the suspect’s coworkers alerted police to a disturbing message.

Alexandros Paporakis, of Palatine, was arrested Sunday after allegedly plotting to open fire at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Palatine Police said during a Thursday news conference. Paporakis has been charged with one felony count of making a terrorist threat and one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon.

A Cook County judge ordered that Paporakis be held without bond. The judge also put a jail healthcare order in place requiring continued medical care, including hormone injections related to gender transition, as well as treatment for ADHD, depression and anxiety, according to NBC Chicago.

Authorities say attack was interrupted by weapon malfunction

Prosecutors allege Paporakis drove to the temple armed with a modified rifle, about 300 rounds of ammunition, body armor and other tactical gear. Investigators said the suspect intended to carry out a shooting at the temple but left after the rifle malfunctioned.

After returning home, Paporakis allegedly searched online for instructions on how to unjam the weapon and then contacted a colleague to discuss an intent to commit a mass shooting, police said. That communication prompted coworkers at Taco Bell to contact Mount Prospect Police, who then moved quickly to investigate.

Police said the tip led officers to identify a red Acura registered to Paporakis. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle entering the temple parking lot at 12:25 p.m. and leaving a few minutes later. Investigators later tracked the suspect to a residence on Rand Road in Palatine, where Paporakis lived with the suspect’s mother.

Search warrant uncovered weapons, ammunition and manifesto

When officers executed a search warrant, they said they found a rifle, a loaded magazine, hundreds of rounds of rifle ammunition and other tactical gear. Investigators also recovered what they described as an eight-page manifesto that outlined the alleged attack and expressed white supremacist beliefs.

According to police, the writings contained hateful language about Jewish people, African Americans, Indians and other non-white groups. Authorities said the manifesto described Indian people as targets and indicated a desire to kill as many as possible. Police also said the writings referred to Paporakis as the “Aurora Shooter” and included statements in which the suspect took pride in identifying as a “sociopathic white supremacist Neo-Nazi” who fantasized about mass murder nearly every day.

At the Thursday press conference, FBI Chicago Field Office acting special agent in charge Lucas Rothaar praised the person who came forward with the warning. He said many violent plots are stopped because a member of the public reports suspicious behavior before an attack can happen.

The Hindu temple said it was aware of the recent security threat and has increased protection at the site. In a message posted on its website, the temple said the safety of devotees, employees and volunteers remains its highest priority and that added security measures include a stronger armed security presence.

Paporakis is scheduled to remain in jail pending the next court appearance on Oct. 30. The case has drawn attention both because of the alleged targeting of a religious site and because investigators say a prompt report from coworkers may have prevented a mass-casualty attack.