ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot Foiled on New Year's Eve: 18-Year-Old Arrested in North Carolina

The FBI has successfully thwarted a potential New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old suspect allegedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS). According to officials, Christan Sturdivant, a resident of Mint Hill, had been planning to carry out knife and hammer attacks targeting civilians and responding police officers at a local grocery outlet. A search of his residence revealed a handwritten note detailing his plans to stab up to 20 people. FBI agents began investigating Sturdivant after receiving information about his social media activity praising ISIS. The investigation found that Sturdivant had previously drawn the attention of investigators in 2022, when he was a minor, for communicating with an ISIS affiliate in Europe. Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS. He was taken into custody on Wednesday and ordered to remain in detention after appearing before a US District Judge on Friday. The FBI has credited the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies for preventing potential loss of life. 'The @FBI and partners foiled another potential New Year's Eve attack from an individual allegedly inspired by ISIS,' FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. 'Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives.'