April 10th, 2024-IDAHO, Ohio-Alexander Scott Mercurio, an 18-year-old teenager, planned to attack churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, using various weapons, including a metal pipe, butane fuel, a machete, and potentially his father’s guns. Federal prosecutors charged him with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group.
Mercurio adopted the Muslim faith against his Christian parents’ wishes and was in contact with FBI informants posing as Islamic State supporters. He intended to incapacitate his father, steal his guns, and carry out the attack. Mercurio discussed plans for multiple attacks and martyrdom. He communicated with confidential informants over two years and attempted to build an explosive vest. If convicted, Mercurio faces up to 20 years in prison. He is currently held in a northern Idaho jail awaiting his first court appearance.
https://www.wcpo.com/idaho-teen-planned-church-attacks-to-support-islamic-state-group
