Lawmakers push for expanded nonprofit security grants after thwarted temple shooting

On Oct. 10, worshippers gathered at the Balaji temple in Aurora for a major Hindu holiday when a suspect entered the parking lot carrying 300 rounds of ammunition. He fired one shot at a passerby, but the weapon jammed, allowing police to apprehend 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis after a co-worker reported his intent to continue the attack. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi described the shooter’s manifesto as targeting Indians, Jews, Black people and other minorities, and linked his radicalization to hateful online communities.

In response, Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Brad Schneider and State Sen. Ram Villivalam urged Congress to boost nonprofit security funding and to eliminate the Section 230 liability shield for big-tech platforms. Schneider noted federal security investments have risen from $300 million to $500 million, while Villivalam highlighted Illinois’ grant program, which provides up to $150,000 per site but still falls short of demand. The officials argue faster, larger funding is essential to protect at-risk nonprofit venues across the country.