Federal Charges Announced in Alleged Terror Plot
An 18-year-old man from Mint Hill, North Carolina, has been arrested and charged in federal court for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS.
Federal investigators say the suspect planned a violent New Year’s Eve attack targeting a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in the Mint Hill area. The arrest occurred on New Year’s Eve and was later announced by federal prosecutors.
Investigation Began With Online Activity
According to court documents, the investigation began after authorities received tips on December 18 regarding social media posts that allegedly supported ISIS.
One post reportedly included imagery and language consistent with extremist propaganda advocating violence against non-believers. Federal officials stated that ISIS is classified as a foreign terrorist organization under U.S. law.
Undercover Communications Detailed in Complaint
Investigators allege the teen began communicating with an undercover government employee in mid-December, believing the individual to be affiliated with ISIS.
During those exchanges, prosecutors say the suspect expressed intent to carry out an attack, pledged allegiance to ISIS, and discussed violent plans. Messages reportedly referenced weapons and included images aligned with past ISIS propaganda encouraging attacks in Western countries.
Plans Allegedly Included Multiple Targets
Federal authorities say handwritten notes were recovered from the suspect’s residence during a court-authorized search on December 29.
According to the indictment, one document was titled “The New Years Attack 2026” and outlined preparations for violence, including weapon training. Another note described plans for two separate attacks:
- A fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, with a stated goal of multiple victims
- A nearby grocery store, also with a planned high casualty count
Investigators noted that the grocery store referenced in the document was not named but matched the ownership history of a national grocery chain operating near the restaurant.
Weapons and Materials Recovered
During the search of the home, investigators reported finding several weapons hidden in the suspect’s bedroom. These included knives and hammers matching items previously shown in online messages.
Authorities also recovered lists of potential targets and references to tactical preparation.
Previous Law Enforcement Concerns Cited
Prosecutors stated that authorities had prior awareness of the suspect dating back to 2022. Court filings allege that a family member intervened at that time after the suspect reportedly expressed violent intentions toward a neighbor.
Federal officials further allege that expressions of allegiance to ISIS occurred prior to the current investigation.
Legal Status and Potential Sentence
The suspect remains in federal custody. If convicted on the charge of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the case remains ongoing.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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