Wednesday, September 9, 2026

FBI foils potential ISIS terror attack on New Year’s Eve

Mr Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.

• January 2, 2026
Christian Sturdivant
Christian Sturdivant

The suspect planned to use knives and hammers to carry out a deadly New Year’s Eve attack at a grocery store.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), on Friday, announced that it foiled an ISIS terror attack planned for New Year’s Eve.

In a statement on social media, FBI czar Kash Patel announced the arrest of Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, North Carolina.

The suspect planned to use knives and hammers to carry out a deadly New Year’s Eve attack at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in support of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

“The accused allegedly wanted to be a soldier for ISIS and made plans to commit a violent attack on New Year’s Eve in support of that terrorist group, but the FBI and our partners put a stop to that,” said Mr Patel.

The FBI czar added, “It is essential to work closely with our law enforcement partners and to quickly share information about potential threats, as demonstrated in this case. The message from the FBI is clear — anyone who supports ISIS or other terrorist groups cannot hide and will be held accountable in our justice system.”

Mr Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation upon his arrest and is now facing trial.

According to investigations, Mr Sturdivant aspired to become a ‘martyr’ for ISIS and was in the final stages of planning a mass-casualty attack on New Year’s Eve.

Also, notes recovered from his home appear to reflect intent to harm as many people as possible and terrorise the nation.

“This successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

She added, “The Department of Justice remains vigilant in our pursuit of evil ISIS sympathizers — anyone plotting to commit such depraved attacks will face the full force of the law.”

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Uba Sani

Hot news Home top

Kaduna 2027 Budget: Attention still on human capital development, says commissioner 

Mr Moronvia noted that next year’s budget would be the fourth in the Governor Uba Sani administration and the last budget cycle of his first term.

Dangote Refinery IPO

Hot news Home top

Dangote Refinery IPO: Turning everyday fuel buyers into refinery shareholders, says Dangote

Mr Dangote said widespread ownership of productive infrastructure strengthens the connection between citizens and national development.

AfCFTA

Africa

Expert urges adoption of model law to save African shipping firms

Mr De Waegh also recommended a regional approach under AfCFTA and ECOWAS to harmonise the implementation of the model law.

The drug kingpin.

Hot news Home top

NDLEA nabs fugitive drug kingpin linked to 49.70kg heroin seizure 

The NDLEA chairman described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s relentless pursuit of fleeing drug kingpins.

UK flag and Nigerian students going to the UK

Heading 4

UK raises living expenses requirement for students from Nigerian, Ghana, Kenya, nine others effective November 30

For African students living outside London, living expenses increased from £1,171 to £1,203.