Several lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Haley Stevens, expressed outrage over the incident.
US lawmakers have condemned an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, warning that religious and racial hatred pose a threat to communities across the country.
Several lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera and Haley Stevens, expressed outrage over the incident and stressed that every American should be able to practise their faith without fear.
A 19-year-old was arrested in Palatine, near Chicago, over an alleged plan to attack the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Aurora on Sunday. The shooting was averted after the firearm he allegedly carried jammed and failed to fire.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois, was at the temple with his family when the incident took place.
‘White Supremacist Hate’ Under Fire
Congressman Jamie Raskin called for a united stand against hate-fuelled violence targeting religious communities.
“Americans are outraged by this planned mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois. We must stand together—and strong—against white supremacist hate and violence targeted at temples, synagogues, churches and mosques,” he said in a post on X.
Congressman Rich McCormick also condemned the alleged plot, saying: “The plot to massacre innocent Americans at a Hindu temple is unequivocally wrong. Violence toward anyone based on a religion, political orientation, or race is evil.”
Congressman Ro Khanna, who is Hindu American, expressed anger over the incident.
“The shooter’s evil is only surpassed by his ignorance. Hinduism teaches non-violence,” he said.
As a Hindu American, I am angered by the attempted mass shooting at a Temple by a white supremacist.
The shooter’s evil is only surpassed by his ignorance. Hinduism teaches non-violence. https://t.co/7E3znjY1dP
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) October 15, 2026
‘No American Should Fear For Their Safety’
Congressman Ami Bera said he was horrified that Krishnamoorthi and his family were worshipping at the temple when the alleged plot unfolded.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the threats facing Hindu communities and other communities targeted by religious and racial hatred,” Bera said, adding that Congress must do more to combat hate-fuelled violence.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens said the rising trend of violence at places of worship must end.
“No American should have to fear for their safety when practising their faith,” she said, adding that Indian Americans deserved better.
Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Anti-Hindu Hate
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he was “incredibly alarmed” by the alleged attempt to carry out mass violence at the temple and thanked law enforcement for its swift response.
“Anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric is at an alarming level in America, and now we are seeing that hatred turn into violence,” Schumer said.
