On New Year’s Eve, what could have been a brutal attack in Mint Hill, North Carolina, was stopped just in time by the FBI and its partners. Christian Sturdivant, an 18‑year‑old local resident, was arrested and charged with trying to support the Islamic State (ISIS) by planning violence at a grocery store and fast‑food restaurant in his hometown.
Authorities say the plot was inspired by ISIS ideology and that Sturdivant publicly embraced extremist views online. Over months, agents watched him post supportive messages and even describe himself as a “soldier of the state” who “will do jihad soon.”
The FBI began digging deeper in mid‑December after tips and social media activity linked Sturdivant to violent plans. In late December, he allegedly told someone he believed was an ISIS contact online that he wanted to attack people during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Unknown to him, that contact was an undercover agent working for law enforcement.
When agents executed a search warrant at his home on Dec. 29, they found disturbing evidence. Hidden under his bed were two butcher knives and two hammers — tools he allegedly planned to use in the attack — along with handwritten materials marked “New Years Attack 2026.” Prosecutors say the notes detailed his goals and even expressed a desire to confront responding police.
Sturdivant’s involvement with extremist thought isn’t new. Court records show he first drew attention from the FBI in 2022, when he was still a minor. At that time, he allegedly went to a neighbor’s home armed with a hammer and knife after connecting with an ISIS operative overseas. His grandfather intervened and stopped the assault, but officials kept an eye on him.
Federal prosecutors portray the case as a serious attempt to carry out mass violence. “Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a statement. If convicted, Sturdivant faces up to 20 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
For the people of Mint Hill and the greater Charlotte area, the arrest came as a sobering reminder of how quickly online extremism can turn into real‑world danger — and how vigilant law enforcement must be to stop it.
