Overview

• Mercurio allegedly converted to Islam during the COVID-19 pandemic and later pledged allegiance to ISIS.
• He planned to use firearms, knives, and homemade explosives in the attacks, aiming to cause maximum casualties.
• The FBI had been tracking Mercurio for two years, using informants who communicated with him under the guise of ISIS supporters.
• Mercurio pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.