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Islamic State
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FBI says it disrupted potential New Year’s Eve attack inspired by Islamic State

Christian Sturdivant, 18, allegedly planned to stab up to 20 victims ‌and attack police at a North Carolina supermarket and restaurant

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The FBI on Friday said it foiled plans for an Islamic State-inspired New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina. Photo: AP
Associated Press

The FBI said on Friday it had disrupted a plot to attack a North Carolina supermarket and fast-food restaurant on New Year’s Eve, arresting a man who officials said was inspired by Islamic State and had pledged loyalty to the extremist militants.

Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint ‍Hill, North Carolina, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terror organisation after officials say he communicated his attack plans to an undercover FBI (Federal bureau of Investigation) employee who was posing as an encouraging confidant.

Sturdivant was arrested by FBI agents on Wednesday and remained in custody following a Friday morning court appearance. He has not yet entered a plea on the charges.

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Another hearing is set for January 7. The lawyer representing Sturdivant in federal court on Friday did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

An FBI affidavit filed in the case said Sturdivant came under investigation last month following information that a social media account, which officials connected to Sturdivant, had made posts supportive of Islamic State.
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Those included posts that depicted a ballistic vest and appeared to promote violence, the affidavit said, and the display name for the account referenced the name of the late Isis leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

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