COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — A man accused of planning attacks on Coeur d'Alene churches last year changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday.

Federal authorities arrested Alexander Mercurio in April 2024 for allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS and intending to commit attacks on the terrorist group's behalf by attacking people at Coeur d'Alene churches with weapons, including knives, guns, and fire.

According to the FBI, Mercurio sent messages in late March where he detailed plans to attack the "nearest church" and "repeat for all 21+ churches in the town until killed."

The then-18-year-old appeared in Idaho's U.S. District Court in April and originally pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and was expected to stand trial in May 2025.

Court documents show that on Wednesday, Oct. 22

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