US Authorities Foil New Year’s Eve Attack Plot in North Carolina

The US Department of Justice announced on Friday (local time) that law enforcement agencies had successfully prevented a suspected terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in North Carolina. Officials confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old man who was allegedly influenced by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The suspect, identified as Christian Sturdivent, was taken into custody in the Mint Hill suburb of North Carolina. According to authorities, he was planning to carry out an attack on a grocery store and a fast-food outlet using a knife and hammers on New Year’s Eve. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

In a press statement, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the Justice Department remains highly alert to threats posed by radical ISIS supporters. She warned that anyone conspiring to carry out such violent acts would face strict punishment under the law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that Sturdivent had pledged allegiance to ISIS and intended to carry out the attack in pursuit of what he described as “martyrdom.” Last month, the FBI became aware of several social media posts in which he expressed support for ISIS. In one such post, he shared an image of two small statues of Jesus with a caption condemning those who worship the cross.

Following these online activities, the FBI placed the teenager under surveillance. Investigators also found that he was communicating with an undercover online operative, to whom he claimed he would soon carry out jihad and described himself as an ISIS fighter. During these exchanges, he allegedly shared images of two hammers and a knife and spoke about plans to acquire more weapons.

A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of handwritten notes titled “New Year Attack 2026.” According to the FBI, the document listed items such as a jacket, mask, tactical gloves, and two knives, which were believed to be intended for use in the planned attack.