India on Friday expressed deep concern over a foiled mass-shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in the United States, urging American authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and members of the Indian-origin community.
Responding to questions by reporters during the Ministry of External Affairs’ bi-weekly media briefing, the Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident underscores growing concerns over hate crimes and racial discrimination targeting Indians in the United States.
“This is obviously a matter of deep concern for us. At the same time, it is something that shows or highlights the increasing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian communities in the United States,” Jaiswal said.
While acknowledging the swift action taken by US law enforcement agencies, he stressed that India expects effective measures to safeguard the Indian community.
“We have taken note of the action that the US law enforcement authorities have undertaken once this incident happened, but we call on the United States side to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in the country,” he added.
The remarks come after US authorities arrested and charged 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, near Chicago.
According to investigators, the case came to light after a colleague alerted authorities on October 11 regarding suspicious electronic communications.
Subsequent searches reportedly led to the recovery of a detailed attack plan, firearms, hundreds of rounds of rifle ammunition, body armour, tactical equipment, and a document titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A. (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).”
Investigators have alleged that the accused espoused white supremacist views and expressed hostility towards people of Indian origin. The allegations are currently before the court and remain subject to judicial proceedings.
A day earlier, the MEA had described the incident as “particularly disturbing” and called for a thorough investigation.
In a statement, the ministry said it expects US authorities to “bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents.”
The foiled attack has sparked widespread condemnation across the United States, with lawmakers, state officials and community leaders warning about the dangers posed by extremist and hate-driven ideologies.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi revealed that he and his family were present at the temple during the period when the alleged attack was being planned.
Thanking those who helped avert a tragedy, he said the incident highlighted the growing threat posed by anti-Indian hatred and white supremacist violence.
“The threat of such violence shows how dangerous anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy have become, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously,” he said.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) also condemned the alleged plot, stating that it demonstrates the continuing threat posed by white supremacist ideology to minority communities and places of worship.
