US foils ISIS-linked attack on New Year’s Eve

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation foiled an ISIS-linked attack in North Carolina on New Year’s Eve after arresting an 18-year-old suspect who had planned to attack a grocery store.

3 January, 2026 11:37

NEWSDESK

The FBI announced it had thwarted a potential terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in the state of North Carolina following the arrest of Christian Sturdivant, 18, accused of planning an attack on a grocery store inspired by ISIS.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspect had communicated online with an undercover agent he believed to be affiliated with ISIS, pledged allegiance to the group, and planned to use firearms and knives, adding that counterterrorism task force efforts disrupted the plot and that the attack could have claimed innocent lives.

The US attorney for the Western District of North Carolina stated that the arrest took place in the city of Mint Hill, and that Sturdivant discussed plans to purchase weapons and carry out an attack inside a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant.

Agent James Barkinley noted that the suspect had previously connected online with ISIS operatives since 2022 and planned to carry out a mass-casualty attack, but intervention by the family and undercover agents prevented a catastrophe.

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