The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced it successfully disrupted a planned terrorist attack on New Year's Eve, which was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Arrest Made Hours Before Planned Attack
Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old from North Carolina, was arrested by federal agents on Wednesday 31st December 2025. The arrest came just hours before he is accused of intending to carry out an attack at a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in the town of Mint Hill. Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.
According to court documents, the suspect planned to use knives and hammers to attack shoppers who were purchasing last-minute items for their New Year's celebrations. Weapons matching this description were later discovered by officers concealed under his bed.
Undercover Operation Uncovers Chilling Details
The plot was uncovered after Sturdivant began discussing his plans with an individual he believed was connected to ISIS. That individual was, in fact, an undercover FBI agent. Notes found during a search of his home outlined a plan to target "Jews, Christians and LGBTQ individuals".
US Attorney Russ Ferguson stated, "He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die." FBI Special Agent James Barnacle, based in Charlotte, added, "We could be announcing a national tragedy. Instead, a terrorist attack was thwarted."
Suspect Was on FBI Radar for Years
An affidavit reveals that Sturdivant first came to the attention of the FBI as far back as January 2022, when he was still a minor. Authorities learned he had been in contact with an ISIS member based in Europe and had received instructions to dress in black and commit attacks using a hammer.
Prior to his arrest, members of Sturdivant's own family had grown concerned. His grandfather reportedly tried to secure knives and hammers within the home to prevent the teenager from accessing them. Despite these efforts, additional weapons were still found during the subsequent raid on the property.
The revelation of the planned ISIS-inspired attack has sent shockwaves through the small community of Mint Hill, which lies just outside Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city.
