The Coeur d’Alene man accused of pledging his allegiance to ISIS and attempting to provide resources to the terrorist group pleaded not guilty to his charges.
18-year-old Alexander Mercurio was arrested on Saturday, April 6, which was the day before he allegedly planned to attack local churches in the area. He reportedly planned to carry out the attack using firearms, knives and fire.
According to an affidavit, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force began its investigation over a year ago when Mercurio was 17 years old. They were investigating a fundraising network that launders money to foreign terrorist groups in Syria, and in doing so, becoming aware of Mercurio.
A jury trial date has been set for Tuesday, May 28, in Coeur d’Alene. Mercurio is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
