Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) is leading 105 members of Congress in urging the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate an alleged attempted mass shooting at Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Hindu Temple in Aurora as a potential federal hate crime.

In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel dated October 20, the lawmakers sought details about the investigation and the federal government’s efforts to identify and address credible online threats against Indian Americans, Hindu Americans, Sikhs and other South Asian communities. Krishnamoorthi and his family were worshipping at the temple when the alleged incident occurred on October 11.

The signatories include the entire Illinois House Democratic delegation, all Indian American members of Congress, and Senators Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim and Chris Van Hollen.

Alleged attack raises hate-crime concerns

According to prosecutors, 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis allegedly attempted to shoot a man outside the temple, but his rifle jammed. He fled and later communicated plans to return. A coworker alerted police, who arrested him that day.

Prosecutors allege that Paporakis, who reportedly identified himself as a neo-Nazi, authored an eight-page white supremacist manifesto describing violence against people of Indian descent at a Hindu place of worship. Investigators reportedly recovered a rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor and white supremacist imagery. The allegations have prompted calls for federal authorities to examine possible racial, ethnic and religious bias in the case.

In their letter, the lawmakers acknowledged the FBI’s reported assistance to local investigators but called for explicit consideration of potential hate-crime violations.

“The alleged combination of targeted racial hatred, a religious setting, and preparations for mass violence demands a comprehensive federal response,” the letter states.

Lawmakers seek answers on online threats

The letter also raises concerns about online hostility directed at South Asian Americans. Citing a September 2026 report, the lawmakers noted that more than 542,000 hateful anti-South Asian posts appeared on X between January 2025 and June 2026. The reported monthly volume increased approximately 240% between January 2024 and June 2026.

The lawmakers also cited a Carnegie Endowment survey in which 48% of Indian American respondents reported encountering racist posts targeting their community very or somewhat often since the beginning of 2025. One in four respondents said they had been called a slur.

They asked the FBI to clarify whether investigators are examining the use of online platforms to communicate threats, identify targets or facilitate the alleged plot, and whether other individuals may have encouraged or assisted the suspect.

The letter further asks how the FBI distinguishes constitutionally protected expression, including offensive speech, from credible threats and conduct warranting investigation.

Concerns about government messaging

The lawmakers also criticized federal government messaging that they said risks reinforcing racial and religious stereotypes. They cited a Department of Homeland Security social media post depicting a Sikh man with the message, “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive Mr. Singh.”

They also referred to a Department of Education post declaring “Make College Football Great Again” following complaints from a Texas Republican about South Asians attending a University of Texas football game.

“Federal agencies should make clear that debates over immigration or public safety never justify collective suspicion of Indian, Sikh, Hindu, or other South Asian communities,” the lawmakers wrote.

FBI response requested by October 29

The lawmakers requested a written response by October 29, 2026, subject to restrictions arising from the ongoing investigation. Their questions cover five areas: whether the FBI is investigating the incident as a potential federal hate crime; whether online activity or other individuals contributed to the alleged plot; how credible threats against South Asian communities are assessed; what protective resources are available to potentially targeted places of worship; and whether the FBI has sufficient personnel and language expertise to investigate such threats.

The letter concludes by emphasizing the importance of protecting people and religious institutions from targeted violence.

“No one should fear being targeted because of their ancestry, appearance, or faith, and no congregation should have to wonder whether gathering for worship will make its members targets of mass violence,” the lawmakers wrote.