US Agents Arrest 18-Year-Old Over Planned Knife and Hammer Assault On New Year's Eve

Washington: The conspiracy of a major attack on New Year's Eve in America was foiled in time. The US Justice Department said on Friday that an attack with a knife and a hammer was being planned in North Carolina, which was stopped at the last minute by federal agencies.

Who has been arrested in this case?

18-year-old Christian Sturdivant has been arrested in this case. He is accused of wanting to carry out this attack in the name of the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS). According to American media, Sturdivant was detained on Wednesday.

How did the FBI get information about this conspiracy?

FBI Director Kash Patel shared this information on social media platform X. He wrote that the FBI and its partner agencies have foiled a possible attack on New Year's Eve. Patel also said the FBI's Charlotte office will share further information in the case.

How was Sturdivant planning to carry out the attack?

As soon as the investigating agencies got the information that Sturdivant was preparing to attack, he was placed under 24-hour surveillance. A local court has ordered his detention till the next hearing. His next appearance is scheduled for January 7.

What evidence did the FBI get from him?

After the investigation it has come to light that undercover FBI agents had contacted Sturdivant, claiming to be a member of ISIS. During the conversation, he showed his loyalty towards ISIS and talked about carrying out 'Jihad' soon. He described himself as a “soldier of the Islamic State.”

Had he already come in contact with the agencies?

Afterwards, Sturdivant also told him that he wanted to target a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in a town called Mint Hill. His intention was to attack people with a knife and hammer on New Year's night while wearing a Kevlar jacket.

During the search of his house, the FBI also recovered a handwritten note on which was written “New Year’s Attack 2026.” This note contained a plan to attack about 20 people and also target the policemen who reached the spot.

What will happen next now?

This was not the first time that Sturdivant came to the attention of agencies. According to the FBI, he was on their radar since 2022, when he was a minor. At that time, information was received on social media that he was in contact with a person associated with ISIS. No criminal charges were filed against him, but he was given mental health support. Later, the authorities were again alerted in view of his online activities.