FBI foiled terror plot inspired by ISIS in North Carolina on New Year's Eve

The FBI said it successfully stopped a potential terrorist attack in North Carolina on New Year’s Eve. The suspect was reportedly motivated by ISIS. The agency expressed gratitude to its partners for their cooperation in preventing the attack, with FBI Director Kash Patel emphasising the lives saved. "The subject was directly inspired to act by ISIS," the FBI said in a post on X. "Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives," FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media.

The suspect, Christian Sturdivant, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. Federal authorities had been monitoring his activities since 2022, as outlined in the federal affidavit. If found guilty, Sturdivant could face up to 20 years in federal prison, according to prosecutors who spoke to Fox News.

The charges stem from online communications Sturdivant had with an individual he believed was affiliated with ISIS, though the person was actually an undercover government employee referred to as "OC." During these interactions, Sturdivant allegedly declared, "I will do jihad soon," and referred to himself as "a soldier of the state," a term associated with ISIS.

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Prosecutors also claim that Sturdivant discussed planning an attack on a specific grocery store in North Carolina and considered purchasing a firearm, intending to use it alongside knives. In their investigation, authorities searched Sturdivant's home on December 29, where they discovered handwritten documents, including one titled "New Year's Attack 2026." This document outlined a plan to stab as many civilians as possible, specifying a target victim count and a "martyrdom" strategy involving a potential confrontation with police. Authorities also seized weapons from Sturdivant's bedroom.

The case came to light after the FBI in Charlotte received a tip on December 18 about an individual, later identified as Sturdivant, posting pro-ISIS material online. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the agency's swift response, highlighting the efforts of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and regional partners in New York and Western North Carolina. James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI’s special agent in charge of the Charlotte field office, emphasised the importance of protecting North Carolina residents and the collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, including the DOJ, NYPD, Mint Hill Police, and Joint Terrorism Task Force.