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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.”

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