Washington, Jan 3 (NationPress) – A teenager from North Carolina has been apprehended by authorities for allegedly plotting a New Year’s Eve terror attack aimed at supporting the Islamic State group, as reported by the US Justice Department.

According to investigators, Christian Sturdivant, aged 18, was charged after devising a mass-casualty attack utilizing knives and hammers at both a grocery store and a fast-food outlet. The criminal complaint was lodged on December 31, 2025, and was unsealed following Sturdivant's appearance in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented, “This effective partnership between federal and local law enforcement has thwarted a potential terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve, protecting American lives.” She emphasized that “individuals planning such heinous acts will encounter the full extent of the law.”

Bureau Director Kash Patel stated that Sturdivant “reportedly aimed to become a soldier for ISIS and had intentions to execute a violent attack on New Year’s Eve in allegiance to that terrorist organization, but thanks to the FBI and our collaborators, we intervened.”

The arrest affidavit reveals that the FBI was tipped off on December 18, 2025, regarding Sturdivant's pro-ISIS posts on social media. Earlier in December, he allegedly disseminated an image with text that read, “May Allah curse the cross worshipers,” aligning with ISIS propaganda.

Additionally, Sturdivant began conversing on December 12 with an undercover agent whom he believed to be an ISIS member, stating, “I will do jihad soon,” and identifying as “a soldier of the state.”

On December 14, he sent an image showcasing two hammers and a knife, which is noteworthy as a 2016 article in ISIS's propaganda magazine advocated for using knives in terror attacks within Western nations, according to the Justice Department.

On December 19, Sturdivant allegedly transmitted a voice message swearing “Bayat,” or loyalty, to ISIS. He specifically named a grocery store in North Carolina as a target and revealed intentions to acquire a firearm to accompany the knives during the planned assault, as outlined in the affidavit.

A search conducted at his residence on December 29 uncovered handwritten notes, including one titled “New Years Attack 2026,” which enumerated items like a vest, mask, tactical gloves, and knives. The document purportedly delineated a goal of attacking as many civilians as possible and included a section marked “martyrdom op,” detailing plans to assault responding police personnel.

Sturdivant is currently in federal custody and could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if found guilty. Authorities have reiterated that these charges are allegations and he is presumed innocent.