North Carolina man plotted mass stabbing with knives, hammers
FBI finds chilling “New Year’s Attack 2026” note
U.S. authorities say they have narrowly prevented a potentially deadly New Year’s Eve attack after arresting an 18-year-old North Carolina man accused of planning a knife-and-hammer assault inspired by ISIS ideology. The case has renewed concerns about lone-actor extremism and the continued threat posed by online radicalisation, particularly among young people.
The U.S. Justice Department said on Friday that federal agents disrupted the alleged plot before it could be carried out, crediting coordinated intelligence work for stopping what officials described as a serious and imminent threat. The suspect, identified as Christan Sturdivant of Mint Hill, North Carolina, was taken into custody earlier this week and now faces federal terrorism-related charges.
According to court documents and the Justice Department’s statement, Sturdivant has been charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. Authorities allege he was motivated by extremist propaganda linked to ISIS and had planned to carry out a violent attack on New Year’s Eve, a time when crowds typically gather to celebrate. Sturdivant has not yet entered a plea.
Investigators say a search of his home uncovered a handwritten note titled “New Years Attack 2026,” which outlined chilling plans to stab as many as 20 people using knives and hammers. The note also allegedly detailed intentions to attack responding police officers, raising the stakes of what could have become a prolonged and deadly confrontation.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Sturdivant on Wednesday. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Susan Rodriguez on Friday morning, where he was ordered to remain in custody. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for January 7, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors argued that detention was necessary due to the seriousness of the allegations and the potential risk to public safety.
The arrest drew swift reaction from senior law enforcement officials. Kash Patel said on Friday that authorities had successfully thwarted the attack, praising the efforts of the FBI and its partners. “The @FBI and partners foiled another potential New Year’s Eve attack from an individual allegedly inspired by ISIS,” Patel wrote in a post on X. He added that FBI Charlotte would soon provide further details at a press conference and thanked partner agencies for “undoubtedly saving lives.”
While officials did not disclose how long Sturdivant had been under surveillance, they indicated that the case reflects broader concerns about self-radicalised individuals acting alone. Unlike coordinated terror cells, such suspects often rely on easily accessible weapons and basic plans, making early detection both challenging and critical.
Community members in Mint Hill expressed shock at the news, describing the suspect as a teenager from an otherwise quiet area. For many, the case underscored how extremist ideologies can reach into ordinary neighborhoods through online platforms, often unnoticed until law enforcement intervenes.
Authorities emphasized that there was no indication of a wider, organised plot connected to the case. Still, they urged the public to remain vigilant, especially during major holidays and public events. Law enforcement officials said tips from the community and careful monitoring of online extremist activity continue to play a key role in preventing attacks.
As the legal process moves forward, the case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of terrorism threats in the United States. For investigators, stopping the alleged plot before it turned violent represents a critical success. For the public, it offers a sobering glimpse into how close an ordinary celebration can come to tragedy—and how much depends on early intervention and coordinated security efforts.