18-Year-Old Arrested in North Carolina for Planning New Year’s Attack Linked to ISIS
U.S. authorities have arrested an 18-year-old in North Carolina on suspicion of planning a violent attack on New Year’s Eve in connection with the ISIS group. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that the individual is currently in federal custody and his case is under judicial review.
According to the information provided, the young man, named Christian Sturdevant, is accused of intending to attack a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant using cold weapons. Investigations reveal that he expressed support for ISIS online and was in contact with someone he believed to be a member of the group; however, that person was actually an undercover security agent.
Justice and security agencies report that during the arrest operation, multiple knives, a hammer, and handwritten notes detailing a mass-casualty attack were seized from his residence. These documents have been recorded as part of the evidence in the case.
The federal prosecution has charged the young man with attempting to provide material support to a ‘foreign terrorist organization,’ a charge that could result in up to 20 years in prison if proven. Officials emphasized that the accused is presumed innocent until a final court verdict is issued.
