Anti-India Sentiment, Loose Gun Laws’: US Lawmaker Explains Factors Behind Temple Attack Plot

US Congressman Cites Anti-Indian Hate, Gun Access in Alleged Hindu Temple Attack Plot

US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has raised concerns over rising anti-Indian sentiment, online extremism and access to firearms following an alleged plot by a 19-year-old to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indians at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.

Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’s 8th congressional district, was visiting the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple with his family for morning prayers on a Sunday marking the beginning of Navratri when the alleged threat emerged.

According to police, Alexandros Paporakis allegedly planned to carry out a mass shooting targeting Indians. The attack was reportedly averted after his AR-15-style rifle malfunctioned, forcing him to leave the area. He was arrested later that day after a co-worker, to whom he had allegedly disclosed his plans, informed authorities.

The congressman said thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple to celebrate Navratri, making the alleged plot particularly disturbing. He blamed what he described as growing anti-Indian, anti-Indian American and anti-South Asian hatred in the United States.

Krishnamoorthi Warns Against Anti-Indian Rhetoric

Krishnamoorthi argued that inflammatory political statements and hateful content circulating online were contributing to an atmosphere in which minority communities could become targets of violence.

He cited an incident involving a Florida elected official who allegedly called for his deportation and told him to “take your curry and go home”. According to the Democratic lawmaker, such remarks reflect a broader pattern of hostility towards Indian Americans.

He also criticised the Trump administration over a social media post directed at Sikh Americans that reportedly used the phrase “Mr Singh, self-deport or else”.

Krishnamoorthi pointed to an incident in which a Sikh truck driver was allegedly stabbed 17 times about a week later, arguing that hostile rhetoric could have consequences beyond the internet.

“This rhetoric online is now translating into violence. And it’s got to stop now,” he said.

The congressman also accused President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters of exploiting anti-Indian sentiment for political gains. He urged lawmakers from both parties to stand together against hate targeting Indian Americans and other minority communities.

AR-15-Style Rifle and Hundreds of Rounds Recovered

During a search of Paporakis’s residence, police reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle without a serial number, a tactical vest, eight loaded magazines, an extended magazine and approximately 300 rounds of rifle ammunition.

Authorities also found items featuring Nazi symbolism, including swastikas, along with a gas can labelled “Jeet Remover”.

Krishnamoorthi said the alleged plot could have had devastating consequences if the firearm had worked as intended. He questioned how the teenager allegedly gained access to the rifle and ammunition.

The lawmaker renewed calls for stricter gun-control measures, arguing that the widespread availability of firearms capable of causing mass casualties makes it easier for individuals with violent intentions to carry out deadly attacks.

He stressed that preventing such incidents requires action before threats turn into violence.

FBI Faces Questions Over Domestic Extremism

Krishnamoorthi described the incident as an “intel failure” and questioned whether federal authorities were devoting sufficient resources to domestic violent extremism.

He alleged that the FBI under the Trump administration had prioritised other issues, including immigration, at the expense of identifying and preventing threats from domestic extremists.

The congressman warned that inadequate attention to such threats could leave minority communities vulnerable to attacks.

He noted that potential targets include Indian Americans, Jewish people, Muslims, Sikhs and other groups who may be targeted by white supremacists.

His comments renewed the debate over the federal government’s approach to domestic extremism, threat detection and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Demand for Security Funding for Places of Worship

Krishnamoorthi also called on the Trump administration to release funds under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides financial assistance to eligible nonprofit organisations, including religious institutions, to improve security.

The programme supports protective measures at places of worship, including Hindu temples, synagogues, mosques and churches.

The congressman accused the administration of delaying the funding for political reasons and urged officials to make the money available so institutions could strengthen their security arrangements.

He warned that failing to provide adequate protection could leave religious communities exposed to preventable attacks.

Congressman Calls on Big Tech to Curb Online Hate

Krishnamoorthi further urged major technology companies to take stronger action against the spread of hateful and extremist content on social media.

He argued that repeated exposure to violent rhetoric could contribute to the radicalisation of young people and encourage them to act on extremist beliefs.

According to the congressman, technology companies have an important role in identifying and addressing content that promotes hatred and violence.

The alleged Aurora temple plot has intensified concerns about the intersection of anti-Indian hostility, online radicalisation, firearm access and domestic extremism in the United States. Krishnamoorthi called for coordinated action by political leaders, law enforcement agencies and technology companies to prevent similar incidents and protect religious institutions and minority communities.