FBI says ISIS-inspired New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina foiled, 18-year-old arrested

In a statement on social media, the FBI said the suspect was “directly inspired to act by ISIS” and credited coordination with law enforcement partners for preventing the attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation had “undoubtedly” saved lives.

US Attorney Russ Ferguson said at a news conference that the suspect, identified as Christian Sturdivant, had been planning the attack for nearly a year.

Authorities alleged that he intended to carry out a knife and hammer attack targeting civilians. “He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die,” Ferguson said.

Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.

According to an FBI affidavit, Sturdivant had been on the agency’s radar since January 2022, when he was still a minor.

Investigators said he was in contact with an Islamic State member based in Europe and received instructions on how to carry out attacks, including guidance to dress in black and use blunt weapons such as a hammer.

During a search of the suspect’s home, FBI agents recovered a handwritten document titled “New Year’s Attack 2026,” which allegedly outlined plans to stab up to 20 victims and attack police officers responding to the scene.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.