FBI Disrupts North Carolina New Year's Eve Attack Plot Inspired by Islamic State

Teenager Arrested for New Year's Eve Attack Plot

• 🎯 An 18-year-old, Christian Sturdivant, has been arrested by federal authorities for allegedly plotting a New Year's Eve terror attack.
• 📍 The planned attack targeted a grocery store and fast-food restaurant near Charlotte, North Carolina.

Inspiration and Radicalization

• 🌐 Sturdivant allegedly began his radicalization online, consuming ISIS material and visiting extremist websites.
• 🤝 He reportedly reached out to an individual he believed to be an ISIS member, who was actually an undercover NYPD agent.
• 📜 A handwritten document titled "New Year's Attack 2026" was found in his home, outlining his intentions.

Targeted Communities and Methods

• 🏳️‍🌈 Investigators state the teen intended to target Jews, Christians, and the LGBTQ community.
• 🔪 He planned to use knives and hammers to carry out the attack and intended to wear a Kevlar vest.

Charges and FBI's Prior Knowledge

• ⚖️ Sturdivant is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, facing up to 20 years in prison.
• 🔍 The FBI was aware of the teenager since January 2022, when he was 14, due to his contact with an ISIS member overseas via social media, but no charges were filed at that time.