A planned mass shooting at a Hindu temple near Chicago has raised new fears.

The area's South Asian community is afraid.

The threat came during Navaratri.

This is usually a joyful time of faith and family gatherings.

Prosecutors said Alexandros Paporakis, 19, arrived at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, Illinois, on Oct. 11.

Worshippers gathered there for Navaratri.

He sat in the parking lot.

But he fled before firing a shot.

His rifle jammed.

He was arrested later that day near his home in Palatine.

Palatine is about 40 miles away.

A co-worker at a Taco Bell had alerted authorities.

The co-worker told them about his plan to "kill Indian people," prosecutors said.

Paporakis faces felony charges.

The charges are making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

He is due back in court on Friday morning.

Asha Rao is executive director of the nonprofit The Chicago Kasam.

She said many in the community were appalled and disgusted.

She said Navaratri is meant to be a peaceful time.

Families should celebrate safely.

Avatans Kumar is a columnist.

He sometimes attends the targeted temple.

He said people are more vigilant now.

They watch for any signs of disturbance.

Rao said some people were more hesitant to leave home.

But the threat also sparked renewed resolve.

People want to honor the holiday without fear.

Local and congressional leaders are pushing for law enforcement to investigate.

They want to know if the attack was a hate crime.

Prosecutors say Paporakis described himself as a white supremacist and neo-Nazi.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has called on the FBI to investigate.

He wants the matter prosecuted as a hate crime.

According to Stop AAPI Hate, use of anti-South Asian slurs online rose by 109% from 2023 to 2025.

Rishab Chatty is with Hindus for Human Rights.

He said hatred toward Hindus and South Asians was once thought to exist mainly in chat rooms.

Now it is becoming more violent.