Mint Hill ISIS-Inspired Plot Disrupted Before New Year
PUBLISHED Jan 2, 2026, 12:06 PM ET
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Mint Hill, North Carolina — Federal authorities announced Friday they arrested an 18-year-old who allegedly planned an ISIS-inspired attack on New Year's Eve targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant. Christian Sturdivant, whom agents say they monitored since 2022, communicated online with people he believed were ISIS operatives and with undercover FBI agents, pledging allegiance. Agents executed a search warrant Dec. 29, recovering knives, hammers and a handwritten plan titled "New Years Attack 2026." Prosecutors charged him with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization; he remains in federal custody. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Moonie | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Jan 2022 — Subject first appeared on FBI radar after extremist social media contact and alleged attempt interrupted by family.
- 2022–2025 — Periodic monitoring by federal agents following extremist-sympathetic posts linked to the subject.
- Dec 12–18, 2025 — Online communications included pledges and extremist language; FBI received actionable information mid-December.
- Dec 29, 2025 — Search warrant executed; agents recovered knives, hammers and a handwritten document labeled "New Years Attack 2026."
- Dec 31, 2025–Jan 2, 2026 — Arrested Dec. 31; prosecutors charged him and officials held a Jan. 2 press conference.
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