The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has foiled a potential ISIS-inspired terror attack planned for New Year’s Eve in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old suspect following a months-long investigation.
The suspect, Christian Sturdivant, was taken into custody on December 31, just hours before the alleged attack was to be carried out. Authorities said the plot was disrupted well in advance, preventing any harm to the public.
On FBI radar since 2022
According to investigators, Sturdivant had been under FBI observation since January 2022, when he was still a minor. Officials said he had been communicating online with individuals he believed were members of Islamic State (ISIS), including at least one contact based overseas.
The FBI said Sturdivant was allegedly instructed to dress in black and carry out attacks using hand weapons. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners thwarted a potential terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in North Carolina,” the agency said in a public statement, confirming the suspect was directly inspired by ISIS ideology.
Weapons and written plans recovered
Federal prosecutors revealed that the teenager planned to use knives and hammers to attack multiple people. Court documents state that Sturdivant discussed his plans with undercover officers posing as extremists online.
On December 29, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered handwritten notes, including one titled “New Year’s Attack 2026”. The notes listed items such as a vest, mask and knives, and described an intent to stab civilians before being killed by police.
US Attorney Russ Ferguson said the suspect had been preparing for nearly a year. “He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die,” Ferguson told reporters.
Arrest and charges
Investigators said Sturdivant believed he was communicating with ISIS operatives, but was in fact interacting with undercover law enforcement officers. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.
Sturdivant has made his first appearance in a federal court in Charlotte and remains in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel thanked partner agencies for their coordination, saying their actions “undoubtedly saved lives.”