Man pledged allegiance to ISIS, planned to attack Idaho churches: DOJ

The FBI arrested an Idaho man Saturday who allegedly planned to attack churches in the state, and had pledged allegiance to ISIS, according to the Justice Department.

Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, planned to attack people at churches in Coeur d’Alene on Sunday with various weapons, including “explosives, knives, a machete, a pipe and ultimately firearms,” according to the complaint. 

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) shut down Mercurio’s “violent plot,” the DOJ said in a press release Monday. 

“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said, per the release. 

“This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities,” Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the FBI’s Salt Lake City office said, per the release. 

Mercurio, who was charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, could face up to 20 years in prison, according to the DOJ. Mercurio is currently in custody, waiting for his first court appearance. 

“This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to stop those who wish to commit acts of violence on behalf of – or inspired by – foreign terrorist groups,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.