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

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.