U.S. authorities stated on the 3rd that an 18-year-old American man with a record of mental health issues was suspected of plotting an attack in the name of the 'Islamic State' using knives and hammers, and was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on New Year's Eve.
According to Agence France-Presse, a judge in North Carolina ordered the arrested individual, Stedivan, to remain detained until a further hearing takes place on January 7.
Stedivan is accused of providing material support to a 'terrorist organization'. Prior to this, an undercover FBI agent had led him to believe they were members of the Islamic State.
Federal prosecutor Ferguson said at a press conference: "He pledged allegiance to the Islamic State to that undercover agent and revealed that he would soon launch a jihadist plan."
Prosecutors pointed out that Stedivan disclosed to a second undercover agent that he planned to carry out attacks at a grocery store and fast food restaurant in Mint Hill, North Carolina, on New Year's Eve.
FBI agents stated that as early as 2022, when Stedivan was still a minor, he had come to the attention of the FBI 'after being in contact with an unidentified member of the Islamic State via social media.'