FBI Foils ISIS-Inspired New Year’s Eve Terror Plot in North Carolina
US, January 3, 2026-
U.S. authorities announced on January 2, 2026, that they successfully thwarted a planned terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in Mint Hill, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. The plot, allegedly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), involved an 18-year-old suspect intending to use knives and hammers to target civilians at a local grocery store and a fast-food restaurant (reportedly a Burger King).
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Christian Sturdivant, 18, a U.S. citizen and resident of Mint Hill, was arrested on December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve), as he was being released from a medical facility. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Sturdivant appeared in federal court on January 2 and was ordered held in custody until his next hearing on January 7. Authorities described him as a “lone wolf” actor with no known connections to other recent plots.
Details of the Alleged Plot
- Sturdivant had reportedly been planning the attack for about a year.
- He pledged allegiance to ISIS online and expressed intent to carry out “jihad,” aiming to become a martyr.
- Targets included everyday locations: a grocery store (primary) and a fast-food restaurant (secondary).
- Weapons: Knives and hammers; he also discussed acquiring a firearm and wearing a bulletproof (Kevlar) vest.
- Motive: Inspired by ISIS propaganda; notes indicated targeting of Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals.
- A handwritten manifesto titled “New Years Attack 2026” was recovered, detailing plans to stab up to 20 people and attack responding police officers.
During a search of his home, FBI agents found:
- Hammers and knives hidden under his bed.
- Tactical gloves and a vest.
- Additional notes, including one titled “Burger King Jihad.”
How the Plot Was Foiled
The FBI first became aware of Sturdivant in 2022, when he was a minor and in online contact with an overseas ISIS member. At that time, he attempted an attack with a hammer but was stopped by family.
The current investigation intensified in mid-December 2025 after he resumed ISIS-related online activity. Sturdivant communicated with undercover agents (from the FBI and NYPD) whom he believed were ISIS affiliates. He shared his plans, photos of weapons, and pledges of loyalty, enabling authorities to monitor and intervene.
He was placed under 24/7 surveillance in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve to prevent any premature action.
Statements from Officials
- FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: “The @FBI and partners foiled another potential New Year’s Eve attack from an individual allegedly inspired by ISIS… Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives.”
- In a statement: “The FBI and our partners continued working 24/7 over the holidays… this case out of Charlotte foiling another alleged New Years Eve attacker is the latest example of their tremendous work.”
- U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson (Western District of North Carolina): “He was preparing for jihad and innocent people were going to die, and we were very, very fortunate they did not.”
- FBI officials emphasized the subject’s direct inspiration from ISIS and praised inter-agency cooperation.
This incident marks one of several alleged New Year’s Eve plots disrupted in recent weeks, highlighting ongoing vigilance against lone-actor terrorism inspired by extremist groups. The investigation remains active.
