FBI thwarts potential New Year’s Eve attack inspired by ISIS in North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - An alleged New Year’s Eve terrorist attack planned for the Charlotte area was disrupted by law enforcement.
According to the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office, 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant planned to use knives and hammers in a deadly, ISIS-inspired attack at a fast-food restaurant and grocery store.
Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a charge that could lead to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Federal agents arrested him on Wednesday.
Authorities said Sturdivant had sent a voice recording of himself pledging an ISIS loyalty oath to an undercover police officer.
Officers searched his home and found a handwritten document titled “New Year’s Attack 2026,” which described a goal of “stabbing as many people as possible.”
Sturdivant allegedly lived with a relative who had secured knives and hammers away from him. However, authorities said they found two hammers and two butcher knives hidden under his bed.
An FBI affidavit said the 18-year-old came under investigation last month following information that a social media account, which officials connected to Sturdivant, had made posts supportive of ISIS.
The FBI’s announcement comes just days after the world rang in 2026 and Charlotte saw a relatively quiet New Year’s Eve.
Two local arrests were made in Uptown, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police reported. A 14- and an 18-year-old were arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon. The younger teen was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm.
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