Authorities in the US have stopped a potentially deadly New Year’s Eve attack planned by an 18-year-old from North Carolina. Christian Sturdivant, inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), had targeted a grocery store and a Burger King fast-food outlet, according to the FBI.
Sturdivant, under the radar of the FBI since 2022, reached out to what he believed were ISIS members online. In reality, these were undercover agents from the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the FBI. During conversations in mid-December, he pledged allegiance to ISIS and shared detailed plans to “do jihad soon.” Investigators say he intended to target civilians indiscriminately, specifically mentioning non-Muslims, LGBTQ individuals, Jews, and Christians.
A search of his home on December 29 uncovered a handwritten document titled “The New Years Attack 2026”, which outlined his attack strategy. Officials also seized two hammers, two butcher knives, tactical gloves, and a vest from under his bed. A video Sturdivant recorded on December 14 showed him displaying the weapons, which he had sent to one of the undercover agents.
Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He appeared in court in Charlotte and is now in federal custody. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
This case highlights the ongoing vigilance of US authorities against domestic terrorism and the role of undercover operations in preventing attacks before they occur. Law enforcement officials praised the swift action that prevented potential mass casualties on one of the country’s busiest holiday nights.
