FBI Foils ISIS-Inspired Plot in North Carolina Ahead of New Year
Federal authorities disrupted an ISIS-inspired plot planned for New Year's Eve in Mint Hill, NC, charging 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant with supporting a foreign terrorist organization.
Overview
Authorities say the FBI thwarted an ISIS-inspired plot planned for New Year's Eve in Mint Hill, North Carolina, involving 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant and alleged plans to attack local targets.
The investigation uncovered weapons and threatening notes under the suspect's bed during a residence search, revealing materials consistent with support for extremist causes.
A 14-year-old in North Carolina planned to attack local businesses inspired by ISIS after radicalization via social media; FBI and agencies investigated.
Authorities are reviewing the cases for potential charges and to assess risk to communities and ongoing counterterrorism efforts nationwide, including the state.
Law enforcement emphasized online radicalization monitoring and community awareness to prevent recruitment and further incidents in the region, protecting local targets.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this neutrally, relying on official briefings and court filings. They present facts about the suspect, the alleged ISIS inspiration, and the thwarted plan, with quotes from investigators that underscore seriousness but avoid editorial judgments or sweeping conclusions. The piece foregrounds public safety rather than partisan framing.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Authorities recovered hammers, butcher knives, a tactical vest, gloves, and handwritten documents titled 'New Years Attack 2026' detailing plans to attack a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, aiming for 20-21 casualties.
Sturdivant planned a mass-casualty attack on a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill using hammers, butcher knives, and a tactical vest, intending to target responding officers for martyrdom.
Yes, FBI monitoring began in January 2022 when he was 14, after contacting a suspected ISIS member in Europe and receiving instructions for hammer attacks; his grandfather intervened, and monitoring ceased after mental health treatment until resuming in December 2025.
The FBI used an undercover agent posing as an ISIS member; Sturdivant shared specific plans. A search warrant was executed on December 29, 2025, and he was arrested without incident on December 31, 2025.
He was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, ISIS.
History
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