FBI Foils ISIS-Inspired New Year's Eve Attack Plot
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60-Second Summary
Charlotte, N.C. — Federal authorities arrested 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant on Dec. 31 after an investigation into an alleged ISIS-inspired plan to attack a grocery store and fast-food restaurant on New Year's Eve. The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office say Sturdivant pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, communicated with undercover agents online and in person, and possessed a handwritten plan titled "New Years Attack 2026," plus weapons recovered during a Dec. 29 search. He was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and remained in federal custody following court proceedings. Based on 11 articles reviewed and research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 9 original reports from The Straits Times, WCCB Charlotte's CW, WGXA, KTVB 7, News 4 Jax, WBRZ, https://www.wbtv.com, KPTV.com and 710 KURV - The Valley's News/Talk Station.
Timeline of Events
- January 2022: Initial online contact between the suspect and an alleged ISIS-associated account is recorded.
- January 2022: Reports allege the teen left home intending to attack a neighbor; family intervened.
- December 2025: Undercover communications and social media posts indicated renewed planning for a New Year's Eve attack.
- Dec. 29, 2025: Law enforcement executed a search warrant and recovered a handwritten attack plan and weapons.
- Dec. 31, 2025: Federal agents arrested Christian Sturdivant; officials held a news conference on Jan. 2, 2026 and charges were filed.
- Articles Published:
- 11
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
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- Neutral:
- 11
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
Law enforcement agencies and local residents benefited because the FBI's intervention prevented the alleged plot, likely averting casualties and reinforcing community safety measures.
The alleged victims, the Mint Hill community, and the suspect's family suffered anxiety, disruption, and reputational consequences amid the plot and investigation.
After reading and researching latest news.... The FBI arrested 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant on Dec. 31 after a multi-year investigation; agents recovered a handwritten plan, knives and hammers, and recorded pledges to ISIS. He was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and remains in custody.
Coverage of Story:
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From Center
FBI Foils ISIS-Inspired New Year's Eve Attack Plot
The Straits Times WCCB Charlotte's CW WGXA KTVB 7 News 4 Jax WBRZ https://www.wbtv.com KPTV.com 710 KURV - The Valley's News/Talk Station https://www.wbtv.com https://www.wbtv.comFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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