A Coeur d’Alene man was arrested Saturday in Coeur d’Alene for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, 18-year-old Alexander Mercurio pledged his allegiance to ISIS and intended to commit attacks on its behalf. He planned to attack individuals at churches in Coeur d’Alene Sunday using weapons, including knives, firearms, and fire.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation and thwarted Mercurio’s violent plot. Mercurio is currently in custody awaiting his initial appearance which will be set by the Court.
Mercurio is charged by a federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, Mercurio faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
