A tip from coworkers at a Taco Bell helped law enforcement stop an alleged plan to open fire at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, according to Palatine Police, who announced the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine at a news conference Thursday. Paporakis was taken into custody Sunday.
Police and prosecutors say Paporakis drove to the Aurora temple carrying a modified rifle, roughly 300 rounds of ammunition, body armor and other tactical gear. The rifle reportedly malfunctioned at the scene, and Paporakis went home, searched online for instructions on clearing the jam, and allegedly called a coworker describing an intent to carry out a mass shooting.
Palatine Police said that call led coworkers at a Taco Bell to report a suspicious message from Paporakis. Mount Prospect Police used that information to obtain a search warrant and detain Paporakis before any return to the temple could take place.
Authorities said Paporakis identified as a neo-Nazi. He faces one felony count of making a terrorist threat and one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon, according to Palatine Police.
NBC Chicago reported that a Cook County judge ordered Paporakis held without bond and issued a jailhouse healthcare order, noting that Paporakis receives hormone injections related to gender transition and is being treated for ADHD, depression and anxiety.
FBI praises the tipster
At Thursday’s press conference, Lucas Rothaar, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, credited the person who came forward.
“I want to praise and offer my personal, sincerest thanks to the individual who stepped forward in many successful disruptions by law enforcement and potential acts of violence or terrorism attacks. It is a single, courageous member of the public who comes forward to prevent attacks,” Rothaar said.
