Just before the anticipated festivities of the 2026 New Year, a significant terrorist plot was timely disrupted in the US. Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old resident of Mint Hill, North Carolina, was arrested by the FBI. Accused of being inspired by the terrorist organization ISIS, he was in the process of planning a deadly assault on New Year's Eve.
According to the US Department of Justice, Christian had been influenced by ISIS through social media and began identifying himself as a 'soldier' of the group. In December 2025, he posted several online messages filled with hateful language against non-Muslim communities.
Investigating agencies revealed that he was speaking of jihad and planning attacks with weapons such as hammers and knives.
The FBI investigation uncovered his intentions to target a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in North Carolina. He had already amassed weapons and essential items for the attack, including clothes, gloves, and masks.
Source: aajtak
Read More:
During a raid at his home on December 29, a notebook titled 'New Year Attack 2026' was found, which detailed a plan to target more than 20 people.
The notebook also mentioned that following the attack, he intended to assault the police to prove himself a martyr for ISIS. Although a family member had hidden some weapons, his room revealed hammers, knives, a list of targets, and strategic material.
US officials stated that this arrest was the result of the joint vigilance of the FBI, local police, and other agencies. If found guilty, the accused faces up to 20 years in federal prison. This action successfully averted a major terrorist attack during the New Year celebrations.
