Idaho man accused of planning church attacks in support of ISIS pleads not guilty to terrorism charge
CNN
The 18-year-old accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning attacks against churches in Idaho pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a federal terrorism charge, according to the court docket.
The 18-year-old accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning attacks against churches in Idaho pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a federal terrorism charge, according to the court docket. Alexander Scott Mercurio pleaded not guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization during a court appearance Wednesday, the docket shows. The FBI arrested Mercurio Saturday – the day before authorities say he planned to attack a church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, using “flame-covered weapons, explosives, knives, a machete, a pipe, and ultimately firearms.” A jury trial is scheduled for May 28, while a pretrial conference in the case is set for May 14, according to the docket. The Justice Department said in a news release Monday that he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. CNN has reached out to Mercurio’s attorney for comment. According to court documents, Mercurio had online and in-person meetings with a confidential source working with the FBI and “proceeded to express his support for terrorist organizations, specifically ISIS.”
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