Washington, October 21, 2026: Attack on Hindu temple in America There is an atmosphere of concern due to the firing by a Neo-Nazi at the Sri Venkateshwara Swamy (बालाजी) temple in Aurora, Illinois, America.
In connection with this attack, a large group of 105 American lawmakers led by Indian-American Congress member Raja Krishnamurthy on Tuesday wrote a letter to FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Director Kash Patel demanding investigation of this matter as a 'federal hate crime'. MPs have expressed deep concern over the increasing anti-India, anti-Hindu and racial hatred towards South Asian people in America.
Krishnamurthy was present in the temple at the time of the incident.
On October 11, when this alleged conspiracy came to light and the accused were arrested, Indian-American MP Raja Krishnamurthy was offering prayers with his family at the same Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple. The MPs wrote in their letter, 'These cases involving racial hatred, religious hatred and preparations for large-scale violence demand comprehensive federal action.'
This group includes all Democratic representatives of the Illinois House, all Indian-American members of Congress, and Senators Ditch Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim and Chris Van Hollen.
19 year old neo-nazi attacker arrested
19-year-old Alexandros Papourakis was arrested on 11 October in connection with this alleged conspiracy. According to prosecutors, the accused had tried to shoot at a person outside the temple but his rifle jammed at the last moment.
Paparaki, who considered himself a supporter of Nazi ideology, had written an 8-page manifesto, in which there was mention of targeting people of Indian origin at Hindu places of worship.
Investigators seized a rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor and black/white supremacist paraphernalia from him.
online hate in america
This demand has come at a time when there are increasing concerns about spreading online hatred targeting South Asian people in America. According to a report in September 2026, more than 542,000 hate posts against South Asians were reported on 'X' between January 2025 and June 2026.
Between January 2024 and June 2026, the monthly number of such hate posts has increased by approximately 240%. According to a survey by the 'Carnegie Endowment', since the beginning of 2025, 48% of Indian-Americans have faced racist posts online and every fourth person has been addressed with derogatory words.
MPs asked questions to FBI
This group of 105 MPs has given time till October 29 to the FBI and sought written answers from them on some issues. Lawmakers have asked the FBI:
Is this matter being investigated keeping in mind racial, sexual and religious biases?
Was the accused helped by any online platform or other suspicious persons?
How is secret information being shared with local agencies for the security of sensitive and potentially targeted religious places?
Does the FBI have enough language experts, staff, and resources to combat the threats associated with anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian biases?
Lawmakers have urged the FBI to investigate all relevant evidence, take appropriate action against criminals, and provide information on what actions are being taken to protect affected communities.
Also read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the celebration of National Unity Day in Kevadiya on 31 October.