Charlotte Thwarts Alleged New Year’s Eve Terror Plot

Mint Hill, North Carolina, January 6, 2026

An 18-year-old from Mint Hill, Christian Sturdivant, has been charged with attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization following a foiled New Year’s Eve attack plan. Federal authorities arrested Sturdivant as he intended to carry out attacks on public places using knives and hammers in support of ISIS. The investigation involved covert communication with undercover agents, revealing troubling intentions and detailed attack plans. Sturdivant had previously been monitored by the FBI for extremist activities, which resurfaced prior to his arrest.

Charlotte, North Carolina Foils Alleged New Year’s Eve Terror Plot

Charlotte, North Carolina – An 18-year-old from Mint Hill, Christian Sturdivant, has been federally charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after an alleged plot to carry out a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack was thwarted by federal law enforcement. Sturdivant was arrested on December 31, 2025, just as he was being released from a local medical facility, effectively preventing the alleged attack. The charges were publicly announced on Friday, January 2, 2026.

The alleged plot involved targeting a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, North Carolina, on New Year’s Eve. Authorities stated that Sturdivant planned to use knives and hammers in the attack, which he allegedly intended to carry out in support of ISIS.

Investigation Leads to Swift Action

The arrest of Christian Sturdivant, a U.S. citizen and Mint Hill resident, followed an extensive investigation involving the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the New York Police Department (NYPD), and the Mint Hill Police Department. Law enforcement officials had been tracking Sturdivant’s activities for weeks, culminating in his arrest on the day the attack was planned.

A critical aspect of the investigation involved undercover agents who communicated with Sturdivant both online and in person. Sturdivant allegedly believed he was interacting with members of ISIS, but he was in fact communicating with undercover FBI and NYPD agents. During these communications, he pledged allegiance to ISIS, expressed his desire to “do jihad soon,” and became increasingly specific about his plans for a violent attack. He also requested assistance in acquiring firearms.

Authorities allege that Sturdivant had developed a detailed plan, including a manifesto and an intent to kill innocent people. The plan reportedly included a goal to cause a significant loss of life, with potential targets being everyday public spaces where people would be shopping and celebrating before New Year’s Eve. He also allegedly expressed a desire to die as a “martyr” during the attack, envisioning being shot by police.

On December 29, 2025, two days before his arrest, law enforcement agents conducted a search of Sturdivant’s home. During the search, they reportedly found handwritten notes detailing his attack plans, as well as two hammers and two butcher knives, which were allegedly intended for use in the plot.

Prior Monitoring and Failed Intervention

This was not the first time Christian Sturdivant had come to the attention of law enforcement. He had been on the FBI’s radar since January 2022, when he was 14 years old. At that time, he had reportedly been in contact with a genuine ISIS member and had contemplated an attack involving a hammer. His family intervened by hiding weapons, and he subsequently received psychological care. The FBI concluded its monitoring of him after he entered mental health treatment.

However, in December 2025, shortly after turning 18, Sturdivant reportedly resumed posting pro-ISIS content on social media. This resurgence of extremist activity was flagged by several law enforcement agencies across the country, including the New York City Police Department, prompting federal authorities to re-engage in surveillance.

Prior to his federal arrest, the FBI attempted to have Sturdivant involuntarily committed through a state magistrate judge due to threats he had made against others and his stated intent for self-harm by dying at the hands of police. However, the state magistrate judge denied the petition for involuntary commitment. Despite this, federal agents continued to build a case, eventually securing the evidence needed for federal charges and ensuring his detention, thereby preventing the potential New Year’s Eve tragedy.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Christian Sturdivant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday, January 2, 2026, and is currently being held without bail in the Gaston County Jail. Further hearings, including a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing, are expected as the case moves through the judicial process.

FAQ

What happened in Mint Hill, North Carolina?

An 18-year-old, Christian Sturdivant, was federally charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after an alleged plot to carry out a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in Mint Hill was thwarted.

Who is the individual charged?

The individual charged is Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen and Mint Hill resident.

What were the alleged plans?

Sturdivant allegedly planned to attack a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, North Carolina, using knives and hammers on New Year’s Eve, in support of ISIS. He also allegedly intended to die at the hands of police during the attack, becoming a “martyr.”

When was the individual arrested?

Christian Sturdivant was arrested on December 31, 2025, which was the day his alleged attack was planned.

What is the charge?

He is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

What is the maximum sentence?

If convicted, Christian Sturdivant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

How long had law enforcement been aware of this individual?

Christian Sturdivant had been on the FBI’s radar since January 2022, when he was 14 years old.

What role did undercover agents play?

Undercover agents, posing as ISIS members, communicated with Christian Sturdivant online and in person, gathering details about his alleged plans.

What evidence was found?

A search of his home reportedly uncovered handwritten notes detailing the attack plans, along with two hammers and two butcher knives.

Key Details of the Alleged Terror Plot (Nationwide Scope for Federal Charges and FBI Involvement)

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Author: HERE Charlotte

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