Idaho Man Gets 18 Years for ISIS-Inspired Plot to Attack Churches in Coeur d'Alene
Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, was sentenced to 18 years for planning a mass casualty attack on Idaho churches in the name of ISIS. The FBI arrested him one day before the planned attack.
Idaho Man Sentenced to 18 Years for ISIS-Linked Church Attack Plot
Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, received an 18-year federal prison sentence and lifetime supervised release for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, DOJ Justice News reports. U.S. District Judge David C. Nye of the District of Idaho imposed the sentence.
Court records show Mercurio planned to incapacitate his father with a metal pipe, steal his firearms, and carry out a mass casualty attack on multiple Idaho churches in the name of the Islamic State. His planned arsenal included flame-covered weapons, explosives, knives, and a machete.
A search of his home turned up butane canisters, lighters, handcuffs, a knife, a machete, and several firearms belonging to his father. Days before the planned attack, Mercurio filmed himself standing in front of an ISIS flag, holding a knife and pledging allegiance to the group. The FBI arrested him on April 6, 2024 — one day before the attack was set to take place.
Investigators also found that in early 2023, Mercurio had created an online repository of pro-ISIS content with the stated purpose of spreading Islamic State doctrine.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security M. Scott Proctor said the sentence was a direct response to Mercurio's intent to destroy religious freedom. "Alexander Scott Mercurio planned to attack that fundamental freedom by bringing death and destruction to several churches," Proctor said. "This sentence shows that the Department of Justice will relentlessly investigate, pursue, and prosecute those who would terrorize and murder Americans for exercising their religious rights."
U.S. Attorney John C. Shirts for the District of Idaho said the outcome carried a broader message. "The sentencing of Mercurio today sends the clear message that where individuals intend to pursue acts of terrorism against the United States — whether in Coeur d'Alene, or any other community — they will be brought to justice," Shirts said. He praised the investigation and noted the assistance of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, and the Ada County Sheriff's Office.
FBI Counterterrorism Division Assistant Director Jarod Brown said the case illustrated the bureau's ability to detect plots before they materialize. "The FBI works tirelessly to detect and prevent acts of terrorism in order to protect the American people," Brown said.
The case was investigated by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, with support from local law enforcement agencies in Kootenai and Ada counties. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins for the District of Idaho, along with Trial Attorney Matthew R. Hracho of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
Source: DOJ Justice News