Mint Hill, North Carolina — A local teenager has been charged with plotting an attack inspired by ISIS on New Year’s Eve. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant was apprehended for allegedly planning a violent incident using weapons such as knives and hammers.
Sturdivant, who is awaiting trial, was taken into custody on Wednesday. He made his initial court appearance on Friday, where he was ordered to remain in custody. Investigators have described his alleged plans as deeply concerning, indicating that he intended to target both a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in his area, which is situated near Charlotte.
An FBI affidavit detailed how Sturdivant came under scrutiny. Authorities began investigating him last month after discovering social media posts linked to his account that expressed support for the terrorist organization Islamic State. Some posts featured violent imagery, including a ballistic vest, and referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a deceased leader of the group.
The investigation escalated when Sturdivant communicated online with someone he believed to share his extremist views, who turned out to be an undercover FBI agent. Conversations revealed plans for the attack and indicated that he had been organizing the plot for nearly a year.
According to U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, Sturdivant was preparing for a violent act when he left his home armed with a hammer and a knife. However, he was stopped by his grandfather before he could reach his intended targets. “He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die,” Ferguson stated during a press briefing.
In the search of Sturdivant’s home, agents uncovered a handwritten document titled “New Years Attack 2026,” outlining intentions to stab multiple victims and confront law enforcement. Additionally, the FBI seized various weapons, including hammers and knives, from his bedroom.
The investigation into Sturdivant includes a previous incident from 2022. At that time, he was reportedly in contact with an unidentified ISIS member overseas and had attempted to carry out a violent act with a hammer. However, he did not face charges for that incident and instead received psychological treatment.
Sturdivant’s case raises significant concerns about the potential for domestic terrorism and the involvement of young individuals in extremist activities. He is scheduled to return to court on January 7, as authorities continue to monitor similar threats nationwide.