Idaho Teen Arrested Over Plotting ISIS Backed Church Attacks
Idaho teen Alexander Mercurio was arrested a day prior to planned attacks on churches with firearms and explosives. Justice Department reports indicate he aimed to move between churches until confronted. He faces up to 20 years in prison. AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images

Alexander Mercurio, an 18-year-old residing in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, was apprehended by authorities on Saturday, just a day before he purportedly intended to carry out a series of violent church attacks, according to a report by BBC.

According to the Justice Department, an Idaho teen planned to unleash a spree of violence using an array of weapons, including firearms, explosives, knives, and a pipe, with the intention of moving from one church to another until he was killed.

Charged with Supporting a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Mercurio faces serious charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS, according to USA Today.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Mercurio had sworn allegiance to ISIS and aimed to launch an attack in its name.

The suspect's plan was allegedly to execute an act of martyrdom during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Messages attributed to Mercurio revealed his intention to cause mass casualties at local churches, repeating the assault at neighboring ones while setting them ablaze.

Court documents shed light on the gravity of Mercurio's plans.

"The plan is basically this: lie to my dad and say I'm going on a walk, leave, walk to a park, send the bayah video, delete all the social media on my phone (and) then walk to the nearest church," According to court records, Mercurio penned his communications between March 25 and March 26.

Idaho teen allegedly intended to conduct 21 church attacks in his area, armed with a variety of weapons, including firearms and explosive devices.

His scheme included incapacitating his own father to obtain firearms from their home. Authorities intervened just in time, thwarting Mercurio's intentions before he could harm anyone.

During a search of his family's residence, law enforcement discovered incriminating evidence, including plans for the attack and items purchased for carrying it out, along with an ISIS flag in his bedroom.

Influence of Extremist Ideology

Mercurio's radicalization appears to have taken root during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to investigators, he first engaged with ISIS ideology during the pandemic's early stages when schools were closed.

His discontent with life and desire for violence became evident through messages he exchanged with informants posing as ISIS supporters, as noted by Politico.

Mercurio expressed frustration and a longing for death, ultimately pledging allegiance to ISIS in an audio file.

Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the FBI's efforts in thwarting Mercurio's plans, emphasizing the Department of Justice's commitment to combating terrorism.

Idaho teen faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.

Presently, he remains in custody in a northern Idaho jail awaiting his initial court appearance.

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating radicalization and preventing potential acts of terrorism, underscoring the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding communities from extremist threats.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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