The US Justice Department has confirmed the arrest of 18-year-old Alexander Scott Mercurio of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for attempting to provide material support and resources to terror group, ISIS.
Mercurio was reportedly arrested on Saturday, April 6, in Coeur d’Alene.
A Justice Department statement released on Monday, April 8, said Mercurio is charged by a federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The criminal complaint stated that 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 on April 7 using weapons, including knives, firearms, and fire.
According to the statement, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) 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,” the statement read.
“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the FBI, the defendant was taken into custody before he could act, and he is now charged with attempting to support ISIS’s mission of terror and violence. The Justice Department will continue to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and hold accountable those who would commit acts of terrorism against the people and interests of the United States.”
“The defendant allegedly pledged loyalty to ISIS and sought to attack people attending churches in Idaho, a truly horrific plan which was detected and thwarted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to stop those who wish to commit acts of violence on behalf of – or inspired by – foreign terrorist groups.”
“Across the Department of Justice, and in my office, we have no higher calling than to protect our nation and our communities from terrorism. Along with our law enforcement partners, my office will always remain laser-focused on this part of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit for the District of Idaho. “I want to thank the FBI for its tireless work on this investigation and its thorough efforts to prevent violence. The support from local law enforcement was also integral to successfully disrupting the alleged plot.”
“This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalisation, which is a real threat to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Protecting the American people from terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we continue to encourage the public to report anything suspicious to the FBI or your local law enforcement.”
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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