Idaho Man Sentenced to 18 Years for ISIS-Inspired Plot to Attack Churches

Idaho — A Coeur d’Alene man who planned to attack Idaho churches in the name of ISIS was sentenced Nov. 10 to 18 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release, the Justice Department announced.

Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge David C. Nye for attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to court records cited by the department, Mercurio planned to incapacitate his father with a metal pipe and steal his firearms for a mass casualty attack on churches. His plans also included using incendiary weapons, explosives, knives and a machete.

The FBI arrested Mercurio on April 6, 2024, one day before the planned attack.

A search of his home uncovered butane canisters, lighters, handcuffs, a knife and a machete, along with several firearms belonging to his father, according to the department.

Days before his arrest, Mercurio stood in front of an ISIS flag holding a knife and pledged allegiance to the organization. Court records also described his creation of an online repository of pro-ISIS material in early 2023 intended to spread the group’s ideology.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security M. Scott Proctor said Mercurio’s plans targeted the freedom to practice religion without fear of violence.

“Alexander Scott Mercurio planned to attack that fundamental freedom by bringing death and destruction to several churches,” Proctor said.

U.S. Attorney John C. Shirts said the case demonstrated that people planning terrorist attacks would face prosecution, including in smaller communities such as Coeur d’Alene.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case with assistance from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Ada County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins prosecuted the case alongside Matthew R. Hracho of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.