Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – An 18-year-old teenager from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was taken into custody by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for allegedly planning to carry out attacks on churches in his hometown in the name of the Islamic State group. Alexander Scott Mercurio, accused of plotting to kill churchgoers during services, was arrested just one day before the planned attacks. Authorities filed a federal criminal complaint against him for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS.
Mercurio was reportedly actively planning to carry out the attacks with weapons including knives, firearms, and fire during Sunday services in Coeur d’Alene. The FBI revealed that the teenager’s attack was planned to coincide with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. In a detailed plan shared with an FBI source, Mercurio outlined his intentions to storm different churches, carry out the attacks, and then set fire to the buildings.
The teenager faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted, though a court date has not been set. Law enforcement officers discovered various weapons and materials at Mercurio’s residence during his arrest, including an ISIS flag, butane canisters, handcuffs, knives, and firearms belonging to his father, which he planned to use in the attacks. The FBI’s investigation into Mercurio revealed his online activities of spreading ISIS propaganda and discussing ways to support the group financially.
Prosecutors stated that Mercurio had expressed support for ISIS during in-person meetings with FBI sources and had pledged allegiance to the group. Furthermore, investigators found documents related to ISIS ideology and far-right terrorists on his school-issued laptop. The teenager’s plan became increasingly detailed as he identified a specific church and date for the attack.
FBI Director Christopher Wray described Mercurio’s plan as “truly horrific.” Attorney General Merrick Garland commended the FBI’s investigative efforts in preventing the attack before it could be carried out. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of self-radicalization and underscores the persistent threat of lone wolf extremists inspired by terrorist organizations.