New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina: An alleged ISIS-inspired plot, a handwritten note, 18-year-old arrested | What we know

Note titled “New Years Attack 2026” led to arrest; DOJ says he planned knife-and-hammer attacks.

• US DOJ foiled alleged ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve attack in North Carolina
• Christian Sturdivant, 18, charged with supporting a foreign terrorist group
• Authorities say attack targeted crowded locations with knives and hammers

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What happened: The US Justice Department said it prevented an alleged ISIS-inspired plot for a New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina.

Who is accused: Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, was arrested in the case.

Charge: DOJ said he was charged with attempting/providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation (ISIS).

Plea status: He has not yet entered a plea, Reuters reported.

Target timing: Authorities allege the planned violence was timed for New Year’s Eve celebrations, when crowds gather.

Alleged targets: Prosecutors said he discussed attacking a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill.

Weapons alleged: DOJ/FBI said the plan involved a knife-and-hammer attack, and he also discussed obtaining a firearm.

Key document: Investigators say they found a handwritten note titled “New Years Attack 2026.”

Victim count alleged: The note allegedly described a goal of stabbing up to 20 people (with “20–21” cited in prosecutor accounts referenced in related reporting).

“Martyrdom” element alleged: Prosecutors said the note included a section about attacking responding police officers to die a “martyr.”

Search and seizures: Law enforcement said it recovered two hammers and two butcher knives, among other items, during searches connected to the case.

How it surfaced: Prosecutors said the FBI Charlotte received information on December 18 about alleged pro-ISIS social media activity.

Undercover contact: Authorities allege Sturdivant communicated with someone he believed was ISIS-linked, but who was actually a government online covert employee (“OC”).

Court status: He was ordered to remain in custody after a court appearance; AP reported a hearing set for January 7.

Official reaction: FBI Director Kash Patel publicly said the FBI and partners foiled a potential New Year’s Eve attack and credited inter-agency work.