Idaho man sentenced to 18 years in prison for ISIS plot to attack churches
An Idaho man, Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, pledged loyalty to ISIS and plotted to attack churches in Coeur d’Alene after incapacitating his father to steal firearms. He was arrested on April 6, 2024, one day before his planned assault, and sentenced to 18 years in federal prison with lifetime supervised release for providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The case highlights how self-radicalization online can drive violent plots, culminating in a preemptive federal intervention. The sentence signals continued emphasis on prosecuting individuals who threaten religious freedoms and public safety, with potential actions and prosecutions forthcoming as authorities monitor lone-wolf ideation. Looking ahead, prosecutors may pursue similar cases that combine online propaganda with real-world execution attempts.
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Mercurio, a resident of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, planned to attack churchgoers in the name of ISIS using knives, firearms, explosives, and fire.
He attempted to incapacitate his father with a metal pipe to steal his guns and to carry out the mass casualty plot.
Authorities found butane canisters, lighters, handcuffs, a knife, a machete, and several firearms at his home during a search.
Days before the plot, Mercurio stood before an ISIS flag, pledged allegiance to the group, and had created an online repository in early 2023 to spread pro-ISIS content.
The FBI arrested him on April 6, 2024; the planned attack targeted churchgoers in Coeur d’Alene on April 7, 2024.
Judicial proceedings resulted in an 18-year federal prison sentence followed by lifetime supervised release; he faced a maximum 20-year term prior to sentencing.
The case was cited alongside other federal efforts against individuals attempting to support ISIS, illustrating ongoing domestic radicalization and the government’s willingness to pursue such plots aggressively.