Arrest of Alexander Scott Mercurio for Planning Church Attacks for ISIS
18-year-old Alexander Scott Mercurio was arrested for planning to attack churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on behalf of ISIS. He was charged with providing material support to the terrorist group and faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Key Points
- Mercurio pledged allegiance to ISIS and planned church attacks
- Investigators discovered a fundraising network supporting ISIS
- FBI arrested Mercurio before he could carry out the attacks
Pros
- FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force successfully thwarted the violent plot
- Discovery and confiscation of weapons and materials at suspect's residence
Cons
- Potential loss of life and destruction of property in planned attacks