The arrest took place on April 6 in Coeur d’Alene, with charges leveled against Mercurio for attempting to provide material support and resources to the infamous terror organization.
The affidavit supporting the criminal complaint reveals that Mercurio had pledged his loyalty to ISIS and had orchestrated a plan to assault individuals at churches in Coeur d’Alene on April 7. His proposed weapons of choice included knives, firearms, and fire.
The complaint further details Mercurio's chilling plan, which involved attacking his father with a metal pipe, stealing his firearms, and executing a suicide attack at local churches.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the case, stating, "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." He lauded the FBI's investigative efforts, which led to Mercurio's arrest before he could carry out his plans. Garland emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to relentlessly pursuing and holding accountable those who threaten the safety of the United States and its citizens.
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FBI Director Christopher Wray also weighed in on the case, underscoring the severity of Mercurio's alleged plan to attack churchgoers in Idaho. He praised the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for detecting and thwarting the horrific plan. Wray reiterated the FBI's unwavering commitment to work with law enforcement partners to prevent acts of violence inspired by foreign terrorist groups.
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The FBI has used this case to highlight the dangers of self-radicalization. Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI stated, "This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities." She stressed the FBI's top priority of protecting the American people from terrorism and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the FBI or local law enforcement.
Mercurio is currently in custody awaiting his initial court appearance. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
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