An 18-year-old Idaho resident, Alexander Mercurio, was arrested on charges of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on local churches, according to federal authorities. Court documents unsealed Monday reveal Mercurio faced charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Allegedly planning to attack with firearms, knives, and flammable chemicals, his arrest on Saturday prevented the intended violence.
Mercurio reportedly sought to “perform a martyrdom operation” targeting multiple churches in his hometown, aiming to pledge allegiance to ISIS by carrying out this act during Ramadan. His plans involved attacking a church with stolen guns and using flammable materials to cause destruction, intending to film a supportive message for ISIS prior to the attack. The FBI intervened following his explicit allegiance to ISIS, seizing numerous weapons and materials from his residence.
This arrest follows a recent bulletin by federal law enforcement warning of potential threats to public gatherings in the U.S., inspired by global ISIS-related attacks. Attorney General Merrick Garland credited the FBI’s investigative efforts for averting a potential tragedy, underscoring the ongoing vigilance against domestic terror threats.
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