An 18-year-old in Idaho has been arrested by the FBI for his involvement in a violent plot to attack churches in Coeur d’Alene on behalf of ISIS. Alexander Mercurio is facing a federal charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization after devising a plan to incapacitate his father, steal his firearms, and carry out an attack in the northern Idaho resort city.
FBI Director Christopher Wray described the plan as 'truly horrific' and praised the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for detecting and thwarting the attack. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to pursuing and holding accountable those who would commit acts of terrorism against the United States.
The investigation into Mercurio began when he expressed support for ISIS and terrorist organizations online. He spread ISIS propaganda, solicited ISIS’s involvement in his efforts, and discussed ways to support ISIS financially. His attack plan involved using various weapons, including firearms, and grew more precise as he identified a specific church and date for the attack.
During a search of Mercurio’s house, FBI agents found items linked to the plot, including a metal pipe, a knife, and a machete. Mercurio now faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on the federal charge of attempting to provide support to a terrorist organization.
