NIC Student Arrested and Charged with Supporting ISIS

Alexander Mercurio, an NIC student, was arrested by the FBI for a plot to attack Coeur d’Alene churches on the behalf of ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, on Saturday.

Mercurio is being charged by the US Department of Justice for attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to NIC.

At this time NIC states it has not been contacted by the FBI or other law enforcement agencies. Much of the information NIC has regarding Mercurio is protected under FERPA law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy act.

FERPA law cannot and will not be breached until the FBI or another agency approaches NIC with a warrant. Thus far, NIC states that Mercurio did not use school facilities in any capacity to assist his attempts at assisting ISIS or committing any violent acts.

This incident has gained international attention and comes in the wake of national press for acts of racism in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Expect further news as his court case continues and the Sentinel investigates the impact of this event on North Idaho College.

EDIT: Our original article incorrectly stated that NIC had received numerous request for public records, which was untrue. The statement has been purged from the article.