FULL PRESSER: FBI thwarts 'potential terrorist attack' on New Year's Eve in NC inspired by ISIS

Описание: The FBI announced on Friday that it thwarted a "potential terrorist attack" inspired by ISIS on New Year's Eve in North Carolina.

Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, but officials said the sentence will depend on several factors.

The bureau reported Sturdivant was allegedly planning to wear a Kevlar vest and use knives and hammers to attack people at a grocery store and fast food restaurant.

Sturdivant first came under the FBI radar in January 2022 when he was still a juvenile, according to the FBI. He was in contact on social media with an unidentified ISIS member overseas.

Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle explained that Sturdivant received direction from the unidentified ISIS member to dress in all black, knock on people's doors and attack them with a hammer. He was allegedly stopped by his grandfather.

Following that attempt, Barnacle said he was referred for psychological care and reportedly no longer had access to social media, but a week before Christmas, the Charlotte Field Office learned it wasn't true.
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