Blades, Notes, and an Unseen Sting: The Foiled Plot That Could Have Shattered Celebration

As the New Year’s Eve countdown approached across the United States, federal law enforcement quietly averted what authorities say could have become a devastating act of violence in a quiet North Carolina community. In Mint Hill, near Charlotte, an 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged after the FBI says it foiled an ISIS-inspired terror attack plot scheduled for the night of December 31, 2025 — one that officials said was intended to kill civilians in a grocery store and fast-food restaurant.

Federal prosecutors charged Christian Sturdivant with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after an investigation revealed he was planning an attack involving knives and hammers. Court filings unsealed Friday show that law enforcement found weapons and writings in his home, including a handwritten plan titled “New Years Attack 2026,” which outlined intentions to stab victims and even confront responding officers.

Authorities say the plot had been in development for about a year. Sturdivant allegedly became immersed in ISIS propaganda and extremist content online, including TikTok posts and other material, before contacting individuals he believed to be ISIS affiliates. In reality, those “contacts” were undercover agents with the FBI and New York Police Department, according to prosecutors, who say Sturdivant expressed a desire to “do jihad soon” and pledged allegiance to ISIS during communications.

The FBI and partner agencies placed Sturdivant under surveillance during the holiday period, then arrested him on December 31 as the plot neared execution. Officials emphasized that at no point was the public in imminent danger, but that the evidence in seized writings, notes and online chats showed a clear intent to harm. Investigators also noted that the teenager had been on the radar of authorities since 2022, when as a juvenile he communicated with an overseas ISIS member and received violent instructions before being restrained by family and referred for psychological care.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson and FBI leadership described the disruption as a successful operation that prevented potential loss of life on a night when many were gathering with friends and family. The investigation highlights continuing concerns about online self-radicalization and the potential for lone actors to be inspired by extremist ideologies. Sturdivant remains in federal custody and is scheduled for further court hearings early next week.

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Sources U.S. Department of Justice press release ABC11 Raleigh-Durham reporting AP News via multiple outlets Reuters international coverage Times of India summary