FBI Foils ISIS-Inspired New Year's Eve Terror Plot

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A Prevented Threat: How Authorities Stopped a Potential Terrorist Attack in North Carolina

In a significant operation that prevented a potential terrorist attack, the FBI and local law enforcement in North Carolina have taken action against an individual who was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The incident occurred in the town of Mint Hill, where authorities intercepted plans for a violent attack on New Year’s Eve.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, was directly influenced by ISIS to carry out an attack. According to the FBI Charlotte office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sturdivant planned to use knives and hammers to target a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill. His actions were closely monitored by the FBI, even on Christmas Day, due to concerns that he might act before the planned date.

Despite not revealing the specific businesses targeted, court documents indicate that Sturdivant had previously worked at a local Burger King and may have considered locations in that area. The investigation into Sturdivant began when he was a minor in January 2022. At that time, he was allegedly in contact with an unknown person linked to ISIS, who instructed him to dress in all black, knock on people's doors, and attack them.

During this period, Sturdivant reportedly dressed in all black and left his house with the intention of killing his neighbor using a knife and hammer. However, his grandfather intervened and brought him back home. This event occurred after Sturdivant pledged "Bayat," a loyalty oath to ISIS, before the attempted attack.

Following this incident, Sturdivant's grandfather took away his weapons and restricted his access to social media. At the time, his grandfather was his legal guardian and served as a minister at an unnamed church in Charlotte.

On December 18, 2025, the FBI Charlotte office received information that Sturdivant was making social media posts supporting ISIS. This came after Sturdivant contacted an undercover law enforcement officer, whom he believed to be an ISIS member, on December 12. During their conversation, Sturdivant stated, “I will do jihad soon,” referring to himself as “a soldier of the state” in reference to ISIS.

On December 14, Sturdivant allegedly sent the undercover officer a photo of two hammers and a knife. He also shared his plan to attack a specific grocery store that is part of a national chain, claiming he intended to buy a gun as well. On December 19, Sturdivant sent the undercover officer a voice recording, again pledging Bayat.

On December 29, authorities searched Sturdivant's Mint Hill home with a warrant. They discovered handwritten documents outlining his alleged plan to stab up to 20 or 21 people, along with a list of materials he would need and his hopes of dying as a martyr. Despite previous reports that the weapons had been taken from Sturdivant, officials found under his bed two hammers and two butcher knives.

Sturdivant was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He remained in custody on New Year’s Eve, and his first court appearance was scheduled for Friday.

U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, stated, “Americans deserve to celebrate New Year’s Eve without worrying about their personal safety.” He praised the efforts of law enforcement, who worked non-stop during the holidays to ensure public safety.

Sturdivant, who turned 18 in December, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. This case highlights the ongoing threat of ISIS-inspired attacks and the importance of vigilance and quick action by law enforcement.

In a separate incident last month, the FBI in Los Angeles disrupted another New Year’s Eve plot, arresting members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group who were planning to bomb multiple sites in southern California.

Over the past decade, other ISIS-inspired attacks include a 2015 shooting rampage by a husband-and-wife team that killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, and a 2016 massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where a gunman killed 49 people.