Washington D.C. – The United States Department of Justice announced on Friday that federal authorities successfully prevented a violent ISIS attack thwarted planned for New Year’s Eve in North Carolina. An 18-year-old man allegedly inspired by the Islamic State armed group was arrested after planning to carry out a brutal knife-and-hammer assault at multiple locations in Mint Hill, a town in North Carolina.
Christian Sturdivant was taken into custody on Wednesday following an extensive surveillance operation by federal agents. The ISIS attack thwarted represents another successful counterterrorism effort by law enforcement agencies working to protect American communities from extremist violence.
FBI Director Confirms Successful Prevention
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the operation through social media, stating that the FBI and partner agencies foiled another potential New Year’s Eve attack from an individual allegedly inspired by ISIS. The Charlotte division of the FBI held a press conference to provide additional details about the case and the measures taken to prevent the planned assault.
The ISIS attack thwarted came after authorities placed Sturdivant under 24-hour surveillance once it became apparent he was actively planning to execute his violent intentions. A North Carolina judge ordered him to remain in custody until his next court hearing, scheduled for January 7.
Undercover Operation Reveals Disturbing Plans
Federal agents conducted an elaborate undercover operation that proved crucial in preventing the attack. FBI operatives posed as members of the Islamic State group, successfully gaining Sturdivant’s trust. During interactions with these undercover agents, the teenager pledged his allegiance to ISIS and expressed his intention to “do jihad” soon.
According to the US attorney’s office, Sturdivant described himself as “a soldier of the state,” referring to ISIS. The ISIS attack thwarted was made possible through these undercover communications that revealed the full extent of his planned violence.
Details of the Planned Attack
In conversations with another FBI agent, Sturdivant disclosed specific details about his intended targets and methods. He revealed plans to carry out a knife-and-hammer attack at a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill. The teenager admitted he intended to wear a Kevlar vest while attacking innocent people with knives and hammers on New Year’s Eve.
The gravity of the situation became even more apparent when FBI agents searched Sturdivant’s home. Authorities recovered a handwritten note titled “New Years Attack 2026,” which contained detailed plans to stab approximately 20 people. The note also outlined plans to attack responding police officials who would arrive at the scene.
Prior FBI Monitoring and Intervention
This was not the first time Sturdivant had come to the attention of federal authorities. The FBI had been monitoring him since 2022 when he was still a minor. Special Agent James Barnacle revealed that Sturdivant had been in contact with an unidentified ISIS member through social media platforms during that time.
The ISIS attack thwarted demonstrates the importance of long-term monitoring of individuals who exhibit extremist tendencies. Despite being known to authorities for several years, Sturdivant was not charged in 2022. Instead, he received psychological care, and the case was closed after initial intervention.
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Renewed Concerns and Surveillance
Law enforcement agencies were alerted once again to Sturdivant’s online activities, prompting renewed surveillance and investigation. The FBI’s vigilance in monitoring his behavior and online communications proved essential in preventing what could have been a tragic incident affecting multiple innocent victims.
The ISIS attack thwarted highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalized through online propaganda and social media interactions with extremist groups. Federal authorities continue to work diligently to identify and neutralize such threats before they materialize into actual violence.
Counterterrorism Efforts Continue
This successful intervention represents one of several plots that have been disrupted by federal law enforcement agencies in recent years. The ISIS attack thwarted in North Carolina underscores the persistent threat of domestic terrorism inspired by international extremist organizations.
The case also demonstrates the effectiveness of undercover operations and sustained surveillance in identifying individuals who pose credible threats to public safety. By maintaining awareness of potential threats and acting decisively when necessary, federal agencies continue to protect American communities from terrorist violence.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
As Christian Sturdivant remains in custody awaiting his January 7 hearing, the legal process will determine the charges and potential consequences he faces for allegedly planning this attack. The ISIS attack thwarted serves as a reminder of the ongoing work required to maintain national security and protect citizens from extremist violence.
Federal authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement. The successful prevention of this ISIS attack thwarted in North Carolina demonstrates that coordinated efforts between intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and judicial systems remain essential in combating domestic terrorism threats.
