A man from Chicago has been taken into custody for his alleged involvement in a violent plot targeting a UFC event scheduled at the White House on June 14.
According to the Department of Justice, 20-year-old Alexander Iniguez Mercado was reportedly an active member and administrator of messaging groups on Signal, where he communicated with others about the attack plans.
Mercado is among eight individuals charged in connection with this case. The group includes two individuals from Missouri and Washington, as well as five others from states such as Ohio, California, and Nebraska.
Prosecutors have indicated that the group used encrypted messaging applications to discuss their plans, allegedly selecting targets based on their belief that certain lawmakers received funds from pro-Israel lobbying organizations.
In an indictment against Mercado, it was noted that a special agent from the FBI had a conversation with him regarding online threats related to the event just a day prior. During this interaction, Mercado reportedly denied any intention to travel to Washington, D.C., for the attack.
Additionally, Mercado expressed a desire not to meet with the agent and subsequently uninstalled the Signal app from his phone, which resulted in the loss of related message data.
James Morley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office, emphasized the agency's commitment to the safety and security of the President and all individuals under their protection.
Mercado faces charges of obstruction of justice, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years if he is convicted.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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