Fri Jan 02 19:02:38 UTC 2026: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mint Hill, NC Teen Charged with Attempting to Support Terrorism; Foiled New Year’s Eve Attack
Mint Hill, NC – An 18-year-old Mint Hill resident, Christian Sturdivant, is facing federal charges for allegedly plotting a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack targeting a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in the suburban Charlotte town. Officials from the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI announced the arrest on Friday, crediting their intervention with preventing a potentially devastating loss of life.
Sturdivant is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIL (ISIS). He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
According to authorities, the FBI first became aware of Sturdivant’s activities in 2022 when he attempted to contact ISIS through social media. He was allegedly instructed to attack people with hammers but was thwarted by his family. No charges were filed at that time, and he underwent psychological care.
In December, the FBI discovered that Sturdivant had returned to social media and made contact with two undercover officers, one from the NYPD and one from the FBI. He allegedly sent a picture of hammers and a knife to one of the officers and later pledged allegiance to ISIS, requesting assistance in obtaining firearms.
“We allege Sturdivant was willing to sacrifice himself by committing a terrorist attack, using knives and a hammer to support the murder, torture and extreme violence that ISIS represents,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle.
A search of Sturdivant’s home reportedly uncovered hammers and knives hidden under his bed, as well as notes allegedly detailing his attack plans. Officials stated that Sturdivant had been under 24/7 surveillance leading up to his arrest.
Prior to his arrest, authorities attempted to have Sturdivant involuntarily committed due to threats of self-harm and harm to others, but a state magistrate judge denied the request.
US Attorney Russ Ferguson voiced frustration with the court system’s earlier decision. “Countless lives were saved here,” Ferguson stated, emphasizing the potential for a “significant loss of life” had the attack not been prevented.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the bureau and its partners for their work in preventing the attack and “undoubtedly saving lives.”
The arrest comes one year after a deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans where a pickup truck driver intentionally rammed his vehicle down Bourbon Street, killing fourteen people. An ISIL flag was recovered in the truck.
Lawyers for Sturdivant have yet to publicly comment.
First Piper 