Two U.S. lawmakers have urged federal authorities to investigate an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, amid rising concerns over anti-South Asian sentiment and the safety of religious minorities.
On October 16, 2023, Representatives Ro Khanna and Rich McCormick, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel, requesting a thorough investigation into an alleged plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. This appeal comes in light of escalating hostility towards Hindu and Indian American communities across the United States.
The call for an investigation follows the arrest of a 19-year-old man from Palatine, Illinois, who allegedly planned a mass shooting at the temple. Authorities became aware of the suspect’s intentions after co-workers reported concerning communications, which included a manifesto that expressed white supremacist ideologies and anti-South Asian sentiments. The suspect now faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapon possession.
According to the lawmakers’ letter, the suspect allegedly expressed a desire to “kill Indian people” and crafted a manifesto in which he referred to Indians as “subhumans,” outlining plans intended to maximize casualties. Such alarming rhetoric raises significant concerns about the motivations behind these threats and the potential for violence against the community.
Federal Investigation and Enhanced Protections
In their correspondence, Khanna and McCormick emphasized the need for a federal investigation to determine if the alleged plot constitutes a hate crime and to assess whether any individuals or groups collaborated with the suspect. They also called for improved communication protocols between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies regarding threats to South Asian communities.
The representatives highlighted the importance of providing protective resources to South Asian places of worship, acknowledging that these institutions serve as vital centers for community and cultural identity. They requested a formal briefing from federal authorities on measures being implemented to address threats against Hindu and Indian American communities, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive action to safeguard these groups.
The lawmakers’ appeal unfolds amid troubling statistics that document a rise in anti-South Asian sentiment in the U.S. A report released in September 2026 by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate indicated a staggering 240 percent increase in the monthly volume of anti-South Asian hate posts on the social media platform X between January 2024 and June 2026. This increase underscores a broader trend of online abuse and threats targeting individuals of Indian and South Asian descent.
Widespread Harassment and Threats
Further compounding these concerns, a survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 2026 revealed that one in four Indian American respondents reported being called a racial slur since the beginning of 2025. The survey documented numerous instances of harassment and threats experienced by respondents, highlighting the challenges faced by these communities in an increasingly hostile environment.
Moreover, FBI data indicates a rising number of reported hate crimes targeting Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist communities in 2025. This trend heightens concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities across the United States. The lawmakers referenced this data in their letter, advocating for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities from hate-fueled violence.
Emphasizing the Right to Worship Safely
The alleged plot against the Aurora Hindu temple serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for federal authorities to promptly address threats against religious communities. In their requests, Khanna and McCormick outlined several specific actions they believe are necessary, including a comprehensive investigation into the Aurora incident as a potential hate crime, determining if accomplices were involved, and improving the communication of threat information to local authorities and religious institutions.
In conclusion, the lawmakers reaffirmed the fundamental right of all Americans to practice their faith without fear of violence or intimidation. Their call for action reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect diverse religious communities in the face of rising hatred and violence. As the nation grapples with increasing incidents of hate, the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard places of worship and the communities they serve cannot be overstated. The request for federal action underscores an urgent need not only for investigation but also for systemic changes in how threats are monitored and addressed at all levels of government.
