ISIS-linked New Year's Eve Terror Plot Thwarted, FBI Confirms

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Uncovering a Potential Terrorist Plot in North Carolina

In a significant operation, the FBI and local law enforcement have successfully prevented what could have been a devastating terrorist attack in Mint Hill, North Carolina. The incident was uncovered by the FBI Charlotte office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who announced the details on Friday.

The individual at the center of this case is 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, who was reportedly "directly inspired" by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to plan an attack. According to authorities, Sturdivant intended to use knives and hammers to carry out a deadly assault at a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill on New Year’s Eve. Given the potential threat, the FBI placed him under constant surveillance, even on Christmas Day, as reported by U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson.

While the specific businesses targeted have not been named, court documents suggest that Sturdivant may have considered locations near his workplace, which is a local Burger King. This connection highlights the potential risk to public spaces and the importance of vigilance in such cases.

A History of Concerns and Escalating Threats

The investigation into Sturdivant began when he was still a minor in January 2022. At that time, he was allegedly in contact with an unknown person linked to ISIS. This person reportedly instructed him to dress in all black, knock on people's doors, and attack them. That same month, Sturdivant allegedly dressed in all black and left his house with the intent to kill his neighbor using a knife and hammer. However, his grandfather intervened and brought him back home.

This incident occurred after Sturdivant had pledged “Bayat,” a loyalty oath to ISIS, before the attempted attack. Following this, his grandfather reportedly took away the weapons and restricted Sturdivant's access to social media. At the time, his grandfather was his legal guardian and served as a minister at an unnamed church in Charlotte.

Recent Actions and Surveillance

On December 18, 2025, the FBI Charlotte office received information that Sturdivant was making social media posts supporting ISIS. This led to increased scrutiny of his activities. On December 12, Sturdivant contacted an undercover law enforcement officer, whom he believed to be an ISIS member. During their conversation, Sturdivant reportedly 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 plans to attack a specific grocery store that is part of a national chain, claiming he intended to purchase a gun as well.

Further Evidence and Arrest

Sturdivant continued to escalate his actions, sending a voice recording on December 19 to the undercover officer, in which he again pledged Bayat. On December 29, authorities searched Sturdivant's Mint Hill home with a warrant. They discovered handwritten documents detailing 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 two hammers and two butcher knives under his bed. Sturdivant was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

Legal Consequences and Public Safety

Sturdivant remained in custody on New Year’s Eve. His first court appearance was scheduled for Friday. U.S. Attorney Ferguson emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety during the holidays, stating, “Americans deserve to celebrate New Year’s Eve without worrying about their personal safety.”

Sturdivant, who turned 18 in December, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to prevent terrorist plots and protect communities.

Broader Context of ISIS-Inspired Attacks

This incident is part of a broader pattern of ISIS-inspired attacks over the past decade. Notable examples include a 2015 shooting rampage in San Bernardino, California, by a husband-and-wife team that killed 14 people, and a 2016 massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where a gunman killed 49 people.

The FBI in Los Angeles recently announced the disruption of a separate New Year’s Eve plot, involving members of an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group who were arrested for planning to bomb multiple sites in southern California.

These events highlight the persistent threat posed by extremist ideologies and the critical role of law enforcement in preventing such attacks.