Post by : Meena Ariff

An 18-year-old teenager from North Carolina was arrested for planning a deadly mass attack on New Year's Eve in support of the Islamic State group (ISIS). Authorities found hammers, knives, and a handwritten attack plan at his home during a search.

Christian Sturdivant had intended to target civilians at a grocery store and a Burger King restaurant. The FBI had been monitoring him since 2022 and was able to stop the planned attack after Sturdivant contacted what he believed were ISIS members. In reality, he was communicating with undercover agents from law enforcement.

In mid-December, Sturdivant pledged allegiance to ISIS and shared details about his plan to "do jihad soon." When agents searched his home on December 29, they discovered a handwritten document titled "The New Years Attack 2026," which outlined his goal to stab as many civilians as possible. The plan specifically targeted groups including non-Muslims, LGBTQ individuals, Jews, and Christians.

Along with the attack plan, the authorities seized two hammers, two butcher knives, tactical gloves, and a vest from under his bed. Earlier, on December 14, Sturdivant sent a video to an undercover agent showing the weapons he intended to use.

Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He has made his first court appearance in Charlotte and remains in federal custody. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

#Global News