In a coordinated effort, the FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside local and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully disrupted a potential ISIS-inspired terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in Mint Hill, North Carolina. The suspect, 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, faced arrest after a detailed investigation that spanned several years.
"The disruption of this plot demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement to protect
Officials briefed the press on Friday, revealing that Sturdivant had been under surveillance and was known to harbor extremist views. His alleged targets included Christians, Jews, and members of the LGBT community. The court filings disclosed that Sturdivant referred to himself as a “soldier of the state” and had penned a manifesto titled “New Years Attack 2026,” which detailed a violent assault using knives and hammers. The manifesto also projected 20 to 21 casualties and included a “martyrdom operation” targeting law enforcement officers who might respond to the scene.
The investigation revealed that Sturdivant had been in communication with an undercover agent posing as an ISIS affiliate. He had also been in touch with an overseas ISIS operative, which put him on the FBI's radar as early as 2022. His social media activity reflected anti-Christian and anti-Jewish sentiments, and he had shared images of weapons with the undercover operative, discussing plans to purchase firearms to execute the attack.
During the search of Sturdivant's residence, law enforcement officials discovered a blue hammer, a wooden-handled hammer, two butcher knives, tactical gloves, a vest, and handwritten notes that corroborated his online communications. Some of these items were concealed under his bed, and there had been attempts by a relative to secure the weapons previously.
Despite Sturdivant's documented history of mental illness, and attempts to involuntarily commit him, those efforts were denied. At the time of his arrest, he was employed at a local fast-food restaurant. The case has brought to light the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with lone actors motivated by extremist ideologies.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the gravity of such plots, while FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the critical role of intelligence sharing in preventing mass-casualty events. Sturdivant is now facing federal charges of attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. commended the dedication of law enforcement in protecting communities, especially during the holiday season. The case is indicative of a larger national strategy to detect and neutralize threats before they pose a danger to the public.
