The FBI announced this Friday (2) that it thwarted a terrorist attack plan linked to the Islamic State (IS) that would be carried out on New Year’s Eve in the United States. According to authorities, an 18-year-old man, whose name was not released, was arrested and accused of planning the attack.
The United States Department of Justice claims that the plan devised by the young man envisaged attacks with knives and hammers against civilians in public places in North Carolina, including a supermarket and a fast food restaurant. The action would aim to cause as many victims as possible during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The FBI stated that it identified the young man and his intention to carry out the attack based on publications and messages on social media, in which he expressed support for the Islamic State, expressed his willingness to commit violent acts and declared loyalty to the terrorist organization.
According to the Department of Justice, the young man began communicating via social media with an undercover FBI agent, believing he was a member of the Islamic State. In these conversations, he stated that he intended to carry out an imminent attack and sent images of sharp weapons that, according to the accusation, would be used in the action.
Based on this information, the FBI executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on December 29. At the scene, agents seized knives, hammers, tactical gloves, a vest and handwritten notes that detailed the planning of the attack, including direct references to New Year’s Eve.
Following the operation, the suspect was arrested and formally charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a federal crime in the United States. The complaint was filed on Wednesday, December 31st.
According to the Department of Justice, if convicted, the young man could face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
