Fri Jan 02 18:06:11 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewrite as a news article, both from the perspective of The Hindu e-Paper:

Summary:

The FBI disrupted a planned New Year’s Eve terror attack in Mint Hill, North Carolina, arresting 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant. Sturdivant, allegedly inspired by ISIS and having pledged loyalty to the group, planned to attack a grocery store and fast-food restaurant. He communicated his plans to an undercover FBI employee posing as a confidant. Sturdivant was previously on the FBI’s radar in 2022 after contact with an ISIS member. The FBI used a sting operation, a controversial tactic that has been criticized as potential entrapment.

News Article:

FBI Foils Alleged ISIS-Inspired New Year’s Eve Attack in North Carolina

Charlotte, N.C. | January 2, 2026 – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced Friday that it had successfully disrupted a planned terror attack targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, North Carolina, on New Year’s Eve. Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terror organization.

According to an FBI affidavit, Sturdivant allegedly communicated his attack plans to an undercover FBI employee posing as a supporter of ISIS. He had reportedly pledged allegiance to the extremist group. The investigation began last month after social media posts, linked to Sturdivant, showed support for ISIS and promoted violence. One account referenced the name of the late ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

This is not the first time Sturdivant has been on the FBI’s radar. In January 2022, as a minor, he had contact with an ISIS member in Europe and received instructions for attacks. He was restrained by his grandfather as he set out to attack a neighbour.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson declined to name the targeted businesses due to the ongoing investigation.

The case highlights the ongoing threat of ISIS-inspired attacks within the United States, following similar incidents in New Orleans, San Bernardino, and Orlando over the past decade.

The FBI’s use of sting operations, where agents pose as terror supporters, has drawn criticism. Some argue that these tactics can lead to the entrapment of vulnerable individuals who may not have the capacity to act alone.

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