US federal authorities say they have disrupted a potentially deadly terrorist attack planned for the New Year holiday period by an 18-year-old man in North Carolina, underscoring both the continued threat of online radicalization and the role of early law enforcement intervention in preventing mass-casualty violence.

According to statements released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the suspect, identified as Christian Sturdivant, allegedly planned to carry out coordinated attacks at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant using a combination of weapons. Investigators say the plan was inspired by the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), a jihadist group that, despite suffering territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria, continues to influence lone actors globally through online propaganda.

Authorities announced on January 2 that Sturdivant had been taken into federal custody after months of monitoring and undercover engagement by law enforcement agencies in the Charlotte area. The alleged plot was scheduled to unfold during the holiday season, with New Year’s Eve identified as a key target date.

Federal prosecutors say Sturdivant began engaging with extremist content online in December and soon sought contact with individuals he believed to be members of Islamic State. According to court documents, he communicated with an undercover federal employee posing as an IS supporter, during which he allegedly expressed ideological commitment to the group and spoke openly about his desire to carry out violence.

The DOJ stated that during these communications, the suspect referred to himself as a “soldier” of Islamic State and declared an intention to conduct “jihad.” Investigators say he also shared details about the timing, targets, and........

© Blitz