The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on January 2, 2026, that federal law enforcement successfully thwarted an ISIS-inspired attack plan that was set to unfold on New Year’s Eve in Mint Hill, North Carolina. The suspected plot, allegedly orchestrated by an 18-year-old local resident, was prevented just hours before it could be carried out, authorities said.
Christian Sturdivant, a North Carolina native, was arrested on December 31, 2025, and later charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization specifically the Islamic State group (commonly known as ISIS). He has not yet entered a plea in federal court.
Plot Details and Arrest
According to a federal criminal complaint, Sturdivant’s alleged plan involved attacking civilians at a local grocery store and fast-food restaurant using knives and hammers during the busy New Year’s Eve period when crowds were expected. The Justice Department said the motive was to inflict mass casualties in support of ISIS and target first responders in the ensuing chaos.
During the course of the investigation, agents located a handwritten document in Sturdivant’s home titled “New Years Attack 2026.” The notes reportedly outlined intentions to stab up to 20 victims and engage police officers responding to the scene. FBI agents also seized physical weapons, including multiple hammers and knives found hidden under his bedroom bed.
The FBI arrested Sturdivant just hours before the planned attack. He made a first appearance in federal court on January 2 and remains in custody pending future hearings. Prosecutors say he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted under federal terrorism statutes.
Radicalization and Undercover Operations
Investigators detailed how Sturdivant’s alleged extremism developed over time and ultimately drew the attention of federal authorities. In December 2025, the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office began monitoring a social media account believed to be associated with Sturdivant that was posting pro-ISIS content and praising jihadist ideology.
Officials say he communicated with individuals he believed were affiliated with ISIS not knowing they were actually undercover agents from the FBI and New York Police Department (NYPD). During these online conversations, the suspect shared photographs of weapons and discussed plans for a planned ISIS-inspired terror attack on New Year’s Eve.
Authorities allege that Sturdivant declared his allegiance to ISIS and expressed a desire to become a “martyr” by provoking a death-by-police scenario during the attack. Messages recovered from his accounts included statements about jihad and loyalty to the extremist group’s violent goals.
Previous FBI Contact and Mental Health Concerns
Law enforcement officials noted that Sturdivant previously came to the FBI’s attention in 2022, when, as a juvenile, he attempted to contact someone believed to be affiliated with ISIS overseas. At that time, he was not charged with a crime but was instead referred for psychological treatment due to concerns about his behavior and state of mind.
In the lead-up to the recent plot, federal agents reportedly attempted to have Sturdivant involuntarily committed for mental health evaluation after observing escalating extremist statements and threats. However, a state judge declined the petition, and the FBI ultimately moved forward with criminal charges when the ongoing threat became clear.
Law Enforcement Response and Interagency Cooperation
The operation to disrupt the ISIS-inspired terror plot involved extensive cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. This included the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the NYPD, and local police agencies such as the Mint Hill Police Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
In a joint press conference, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson emphasized that the
quick action and collaboration of multiple agencies prevented what could have been a devastating attack during a major holiday. “This successful
collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve,” he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel also praised the efforts of undercover agents and analysts who monitored Sturdivant’s communications and gathered evidence that ultimately led to his arrest before any violence occurred.
Broader Context of Domestic Extremist Threats
The thwarted North Carolina terror plot highlights ongoing concerns among U.S. homeland security officials about self-radicalized individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS. In recent years, the FBI and Department of Justice have disrupted multiple terrorist plots including cases involving domestic actors influenced by extremist propaganda online.
Authorities continue to monitor potential threats, particularly those involving individuals who become radicalized through social media platforms and encrypted messaging services. These investigations often rely on undercover operations to intercept plans before they can be executed.
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