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An Idaho man gets 18 years in prison for an Islamic State support plot
He also planned to kill worshippers, burn churches and seize his father’s guns before FBI agents arrested him.
- On Monday, District Judge David Nye sentenced Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, to 18 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and plotting to attack churches in Coeur dAlene, Idaho.
- After Mercurio selected local churches for attack, the FBI arrested him on April 6, 2024, one day before planned strikes; he had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, planning to use firearms, explosives, and knives.
- Messages to the FBI revealed his intent to kill as many people as possible at one church, set it on fire, and continue elsewhere; agents discovered butane canisters, lighters, handcuffs, and his father's rifles.
- Defense attorneys Carter Powers Beggs and Stephen Roberts described Mercurio as an isolated, depressed teen who has since renounced his extremist views, requesting a nine-year sentence rather than the 18 years imposed.
- Following his prison term, Mercurio will face lifetime supervised release. Idaho U.S. Attorney John Shirts said the sentence "sends the clear message that where individuals intend to pursue acts of terrorism against the United States... they will be brought to justice.
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Idaho man sentenced in ISIS plot to attack churches
An Idaho man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for planning to attack churches in his hometown on behalf of the Islamic State (ISIS), according to federal prosecutors. He was arrested a day before the attacks were to begin. Alexander Scott Mercurio, 21, of Coeur d’Alene, was sentenced Monday, according to the […]
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources29
Leaning Left10Leaning Right1Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 36%
C 61%
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