ISIS Plot Foiled: 18-Year-Old Christian Sturdivant Arrested in North Carolina

Federal authorities have announced the arrest of 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, a resident of Mint Hill, North Carolina, for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on New Year's Eve. According to the FBI Charlotte field office and the U.S. Department of Justice, Sturdivant's plan was uncovered through a joint investigation with the New York Police Department and other agencies. The probe was sparked by information received by the FBI about Sturdivant's pro-ISIS social media posts. In December 2025, Sturdivant allegedly shared messages and images online, including a picture with anti-Christian rhetoric and a statement expressing his intention to carry out jihad. He also discussed purchasing a firearm and mentioned plans to attack a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill. A search of his home on December 29, 2025, yielded two hammers, two butcher knives, and a handwritten document outlining his attack plan. However, investigators discovered that Sturdivant had been communicating with undercover agents, not actual ISIS members. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch praised the interagency cooperation that led to the foiled plot, saying, 'Christian Sturdivant allegedly swore allegiance to an international terrorist organization and plotted deadly attacks in its name.' FBI Director Kash Patel thanked the partners whose efforts 'undoubtedly saved lives.'