Mint Hill, North Carolina — An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged with planning an ISIS-inspired attack, leading to concerns about domestic terrorism as the New Year approaches. Christian Sturdivant faces allegations of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as detailed in a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Sturdivant was taken into custody on Wednesday after an extensive investigation into his online activities. He made a court appearance on Friday, where he did not enter a plea regarding the charges against him. His next court date is set for January 7.
Investigators became aware of Sturdivant last month due to troubling posts linked to his social media account that expressed support for the Islamic State. These posts included images suggesting the use of weapons such as knives and hammers. Additionally, the account’s display name referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of ISIS, further alarming counterterrorism officials.
The FBI’s affidavit reveals that Sturdivant made contact through social media with someone he believed was an ally in his plans but was actually an undercover agent. Authorities allege that he intended to attack local establishments, including a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, which is near Charlotte.
On a day he was preparing to carry out his attack, Sturdivant reportedly headed toward a neighbor’s house, armed with a hammer and knife. His grandfather intervened, preventing him from proceeding with his violent intentions. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson emphasized the potential tragedy that was averted, stating that “innocent people were going to die.”
A search of Sturdivant’s residence uncovered a handwritten document titled “New Years Attack 2026,” in which he detailed plans to target multiple victims and assault responding law enforcement officers. Authorities also seized additional weapons from his bedroom, signaling the seriousness of his plot.
Sturdivant’s troubling history dates back to when he was a juvenile in 2022. At that time, he had communicated with an unidentified ISIS member overseas and expressed intentions to carry out a violent act. Although he did not face charges for that incident, he underwent psychological treatment, which raises questions about mental health support for individuals drawn to extremist ideologies.
This incident has heightened awareness of the growing threat posed by homegrown extremists in the U.S. The FBI continues to monitor suspicious activities, particularly as key holidays approach, reminding the public to remain vigilant against potential threats.