FBI Foils ISIS-Linked Attack on New Year's Eve in North Carolina
Christian Sturdivant was arrested and remains in custody until his next hearing on January 7, following prior monitoring due to potential ties with ISIS.
US authorities have thwarted an alleged ISIS-inspired attack in North Carolina on New Year's Eve. An 18-year-old man, Christian Sturdivant, was arrested on Wednesday by federal agents after a 24-hour surveillance revealed his plan to carry out a knife-and-hammer attack at a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in the town of Mint Hill.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, undercover agents posed as ISIS members, prompting Sturdivant to pledge allegiance to the group and reveal his intention to 'do jihad' soon. He described himself as 'a soldier of the state,' referring to ISIS. Sturdivant also admitted to planning to wear a Kevlar vest and attack people with knives and hammers on New Year's Eve.
During a search of his home, authorities found a handwritten note, 'New Year's Attack 2026,' detailing plans to stab nearly 20 people and target responding police officials. This is not the first time Sturdivant has been under investigation; in 2022, the FBI was aware of his online activities, where he had been in contact with an unidentified ISIS member. Although no charges were filed at the time, Sturdivant received psychological care before being monitored again.
The US Department of Justice confirmed the thwarted attack, with the FBI and its partners foiling another potential New Year's Eve attack. Sturdivant is currently being held in custody, pending a hearing on January 7.
