US federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old North Carolina resident on charges of planning a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in support of the Islamic State (ISIS), the Justice Department announced.

According to officials, Christian Sturdivant was taken into custody after investigators uncovered what they described as detailed plans to carry out a mass-casualty attack using knives and hammers at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant. A criminal complaint was filed on December 31, 2025, and unsealed following his initial appearance in federal court in Charlotte.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the arrest prevented a potentially deadly attack. “This successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve,” she said, warning that those who plan such acts will face severe consequences.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Sturdivant allegedly sought to act on behalf of ISIS. “He wanted to be a soldier for ISIS and planned a violent attack in support of that terrorist group,” Patel said, adding that law enforcement intervention stopped the plot before it could be carried out.

Court documents state that the FBI received intelligence on December 18 indicating that Sturdivant was posting pro-ISIS material on social media. Earlier in the month, he allegedly shared extremist content consistent with ISIS ideology.

Investigators allege that on December 12, Sturdivant began communicating with an undercover FBI employee whom he believed to be an ISIS supporter. During those conversations, he allegedly expressed intent to carry out “jihad” and referred to himself as a “soldier” of the group.

On December 14, Sturdivant reportedly sent images of knives and hammers, weapons commonly promoted in past ISIS propaganda encouraging attacks in Western countries. On December 19, authorities say he sent a voice recording pledging allegiance to ISIS and later identified a specific grocery store in North Carolina as a target.

The complaint also alleges that Sturdivant discussed plans to acquire a firearm to use during the attack. A search of his residence on December 29 uncovered handwritten notes, including a document titled “New Years Attack 2026,” which listed weapons and tactical gear and outlined plans to stab civilians and confront responding police officers.

Sturdivant remains in federal custody and faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations and that he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case underscores continued concerns among US law enforcement about online radicalization and lone-actor terrorism inspired by extremist groups.