FBI Arrests 18-Year-Old Over ISIS-Inspired Plot to Attack on New Year’s Eve

US federal authorities have stopped a suspected ISIS-inspired terror plot planned for New Year's Eve in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old after a long-running investigation.

Officials said the suspect was taken into custody before any violence could take place, preventing what could have been a deadly attack.

Under Watch for Nearly Two Years

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the accused, Christian Sturdivant, had been under scrutiny since January 2022, when he was still a minor. Investigators claimed he was in touch with an ISIS-linked individual based overseas and had received guidance on how to carry out an assault.

According to the agency, the instructions included wearing all black and using basic weapons such as hammers to attack people in public places.

In an official statement, the FBI said, "The FBI and our law enforcement partners thwarted a potential terrorist attack on New Year's Eve in North Carolina. The subject was directly inspired to act by ISIS."

Weapons and Targets Discussed Online

Court records show Sturdivant allegedly planned to use knives and hammers to carry out the attack. Prosecutors said he openly discussed his intentions with undercover law enforcement officers who were posing as extremist sympathisers online.

The suspect reportedly told one of the undercover officers that he considered himself a "soldier of the state" and intended to strike on New Year's Eve.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited inter-agency coordination for stopping the plot in time. "Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives," Patel said.

Notes Recovered During Home Search

Law enforcement officials searched Sturdivant's home on December 29 after obtaining a warrant. During the search, officers recovered handwritten documents, including one titled "New Year's Attack 2026".

The notes reportedly listed items such as a vest, mask and knives. Investigators said the writings outlined plans to stab multiple people before being shot by police.

Authorities also confirmed that while Sturdivant believed he was communicating with ISIS operatives, he was actually speaking to undercover officers.

Charges Filed, Teen Remains in Custody

US Attorney Russ Ferguson said the accused had been preparing for the attack for nearly a year. "He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die," Ferguson told reporters.

Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. He has already appeared in a federal court in Charlotte and continues to remain in custody as the investigation proceeds.