US, Dec 03 : US authorities have thwarted a major ISIS-inspired terror attack planned for New Year’s Eve in North Carolina, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Friday.
According to officials, the suspect identified as Christian Sturdivant of Mint Hill allegedly planned to carry out a violent attack at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant. He was arrested following a joint operation involving the FBI and local law enforcement agencies.
“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,” Patel said.
John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, said the suspect aspired to become a “martyr” for ISIS and was in the final stages of planning a mass-casualty attack.
“Notes recovered from his home appear to reflect an intent to harm as many people as possible and terrorise the nation,” Eisenberg said.
How the plot was uncovered
US authorities said undercover cyber investigators identified signs of extremist behaviour online and intervened before the plan could be carried out.
Investigators found that Sturdivant had posted multiple messages on social media expressing support for ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organisation. In early December 2025, he allegedly shared content consistent with ISIS ideology, including rhetoric targeting non-believers, according to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office.
Officials said the suspect later began communicating online with an undercover agent whom he believed to be an ISIS supporter. During those exchanges, he reportedly expressed intent to carry out violent acts in the name of the group.
Law enforcement authorities said the timely intervention prevented a potential mass-casualty incident and underscored the role of online monitoring in counterterrorism efforts.