An 18-year-old in Idaho named Alexander Mercurio was arrested for allegedly planning a violent rampage targeting local churches after pledging loyalty to the Islamic State (IS) group.
Authorities took him into custody one day before he planned to carry out the attack, which involved guns, flame-covered weapons, explosives, knives, and a pipe.
The US Department of Justice stated that Mercurio intended to move from one church to another, committing acts of violence until he was killed.
He now faces up to 20 years in prison for attempting to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that Mercurio had sworn allegiance to ISIS and plotted to attack churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, aiming for an act of martyrdom during Ramadan.
Messages attributed to Mercurio detailed his plan to cause maximum casualties at nearby churches, repeating the attacks while setting the buildings on fire until his death.
The arrest stemmed from Mercurio sharing his plans with an FBI source, revealing his intentions to carry out a violent act.
The FBI had been aware of Mercurio’s online activities and beliefs since July 2022, where he expressed interest in IS and frustration with his family’s lack of understanding regarding his religious views.
His messages in online group chats progressed from initial interest in Islamic fundamentalism to expressing readiness to donate money to IS and commit violent acts in the US if unable to join the group overseas.
The FBI’s search of his family home yielded evidence including weapons, a pipe, butane, hand sanitizer, and a machete.
Authorities had issued warnings about potential threats to public gatherings in the US, following an IS-claimed attack on a concert hall in Moscow.
Mercurio’s arrest underscores ongoing concerns about radicalization and domestic terrorism within the country.
Source-BBC
