WASHINGTON: US authorities have arrested an 18-year-old man in North Carolina on allegations that he was planning a knife-and-hammer attack inspired by the militant Islamic State (IS) group.
The suspect, identified as Christian Sturdivant, was taken into custody on December 31, New Year’s Eve, after an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A judge has ordered that he remain detained until a further court hearing scheduled for January 7.
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According to federal prosecutors, Sturdivant was charged with providing material support to a designated terrorist organisation. Investigators allege that he pledged allegiance to IS while communicating with undercover FBI agents posing as members of the group.
FBI says it foiled 18-year-old’s ISIS-inspired New Year’s Eve ‘terror attack’ in North Carolina https://t.co/nKFkG0gZXg pic.twitter.com/IembSHGcP0
— New York Post (@nypost) January 2, 2026
Prosecutor Russ Ferguson said the suspect disclosed plans to carry out an attack at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in the town of Mint Hill. Authorities allege he intended to use knives and hammers and had discussed wearing a protective vest during the attack.
Officials said Sturdivant spoke in detail about the timing of the alleged assault, which he planned to carry out on New Year’s Eve. Based on these conversations, law enforcement agencies increased surveillance to prevent any imminent threat to the public.
The FBI revealed that Sturdivant had been known to authorities since 2022, when he was still a minor. At that time, he had reportedly been in contact through social media with an unidentified individual believed to be linked to IS.
No charges were filed during the earlier investigation, and the suspect instead received psychological care. Authorities said concerns resurfaced when new online activity suggested a renewed risk.
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Special Agent James Barnacle said the decision to arrest Sturdivant was taken after investigators concluded that his alleged plans posed an immediate danger. He was placed under continuous monitoring before being taken into custody.
US officials stressed that the arrest highlights ongoing efforts to counter online radicalisation and prevent lone-actor attacks. The case will now proceed through the federal court system as prosecutors prepare further evidence.