The FBI arrested a man from Idaho on Saturday who reportedly planned to attack churches in the state and had sworn loyalty to ISIS, as stated by the Justice Department.
Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, planned to attack individuals at churches in Coeur d’Alene on Sunday using several weapons, such as explosives, knives, a machete, a pipe, and ultimately firearms, as per the complaint.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) prevented Mercurio’s “violent plot,” according to a press release by the DOJ on Monday.
“According to the complaint, the defendant made a vow of loyalty to ISIS and planned to carry out an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said, as stated in the release.
“This case should serve as a warning about the dangers of self-radicalization, which poses a real threat to our communities,” Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the FBI’s Salt Lake City office said, according to the release.
Mercurio, who has been charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, could potentially receive a 20-year prison sentence, according to the DOJ. Mercurio is currently in custody, awaiting his first court appearance.
“This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering dedication to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to prevent those who intend to commit violent acts on behalf of—or inspired by—foreign terrorist groups,” stated FBI Director Christopher Wray.
