The FBI has arrested 18-year-old Alexander Mercurio in Idaho after uncovering his violent plot to attack churches in Coeur d’Alene on behalf of ISIS. Mercurio had devised a plan to incapacitate his father, steal his firearms, and use them for maximum casualties in an attack planned for Sunday, April 7. FBI Director Christopher Wray called it a “truly horrific plan” that was thwarted by the agency’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Mercurio now faces a federal charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The investigation into Mercurio began when he reached out to confidential human sources online and expressed his support for ISIS and other terrorist organizations. He spread ISIS propaganda, solicited the group’s involvement in his efforts, and even discussed traveling from the United States to join ISIS. His attack plan involved using flame-covered weapons, explosives, knives, a machete, a pipe, and firearms. The FBI investigator stated that Mercurio made a pledge of allegiance to ISIS and expressed his intention to die while killing others on behalf of the group.
In response to the thwarted attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the Justice Department will continue to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and hold accountable individuals who would commit acts of terrorism against the United States. The FBI agents conducted a search at Mercurio’s house on Saturday and found items linked to the plot, including a metal pipe, a black Smith and Wesson fixed blade knife, and a machete. Mercurio faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on the federal charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The FBI investigator detailed how Mercurio’s plan became more precise as he identified the specific church and date for the attack. The young man was allegedly seeking approval and support from ISIS for his propaganda efforts and had considered ways to support the organization financially. The FBI took him into custody on Saturday afternoon and found the items connected to the plot during the search. The swift action taken by law enforcement helped prevent a potentially devastating attack in the northern Idaho resort city.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism at home, with retired General warning of the “inevitable” ISIS attacks in the United States following recent events. The detailed plan and pledged allegiance to ISIS by Mercurio underscore the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to monitor and prevent violent extremist activities. The incident highlights the importance of proactive measures in detecting and disrupting terrorist plots before they can be carried out, showcasing the effectiveness of law enforcement in thwarting potential threats to public safety.
Despite the increasing threat posed by terrorist organizations, the arrest of Mercurio showcases the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism. The collaborative efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and other law enforcement entities helped prevent a potentially catastrophic attack in Coeur d’Alene, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect against violent extremism. The arrest of Mercurio serves as a warning to individuals who seek to carry out acts of terrorism on behalf of designated foreign terrorist organizations that they will be pursued, disrupted, and held accountable by the justice system.
