Idaho Teen Arrested for Planning Terror Attacks on Churches in Support of ISIS

Alexander Mercurio, 18, was apprehended by the FBI a day before his alleged planned attacks on 21 churches, coinciding with the end of Ramadan.

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.