Mint Hill, North Carolina – January 2, 2026: Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old U.S. citizen accused of planning a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Mint Hill, a suburban town near Charlotte, North Carolina. The arrest, which took place on New Year’s Eve, prevented a potential tragedy that authorities say could have resulted in multiple casualties.

Christian Sturdivant, a resident of Mint Hill, has been formally charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, described the arrest as a critical intervention that likely saved countless lives.

“On New Year’s Eve, everyone is at the grocery store. We’re all buying the things we need to celebrate. And we could have had a significant, significant loss of life, a significant injury here,” Ferguson said during a press conference on January 2, 2026.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

Sturdivant, who turned 18 last month, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Officials explained that the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been monitoring him for several years due to his ongoing engagement with extremist ideologies online.

Ferguson also highlighted frustrations with prior attempts to detain Sturdivant on mental health grounds. A state magistrate judge had previously denied a request for involuntary commitment despite threats of self-harm and potential violence toward others.

Background and FBI Investigation

The FBI revealed that Sturdivant first came to its attention in 2022 after attempting to make contact with ISIL through social media. At that time, he was only 14 years old. The suspect allegedly received instructions to attack individuals with hammers, though family members reportedly intervened. No charges were filed then, but Sturdivant received psychological care.

According to James Barnacle, special agent in charge of the FBI’s North Carolina field office, the suspect resumed extremist activity on social media in December 2025. He allegedly sent threatening messages and images to undercover officers posing as ISIL affiliates, including photos of knives and hammers intended for use in attacks. Subsequent messages included pledges of allegiance to ISIL and requests for assistance in obtaining firearms.

“We allege Sturdivant was willing to sacrifice himself by committing a terrorist attack, using knives and a hammer to support the murder, torture, and extreme violence that ISIS represents,” Barnacle said.

Evidence and Surveillance

An FBI search of Sturdivant’s home reportedly uncovered hammers, knives, and written plans detailing his intended attacks. Authorities confirmed he had been under 24/7 surveillance, particularly in the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Targeted communities reportedly included Jewish, Christian, and LGBTQ individuals.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the arrest on social media, highlighting the bureau’s work alongside local law enforcement in preventing potential loss of life.

Context and National Concerns

This arrest follows a deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans in 2025, where a pickup truck intentionally struck crowds along Bourbon Street, killing 14 people. An ISIL flag was recovered from the vehicle, reinforcing ongoing concerns about the threat of domestic terrorism inspired by foreign extremist groups.

While the arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s proactive efforts, some defense lawyers have criticized the use of undercover agents in terrorism-related cases, suggesting that suspects may be prompted to engage in actions they might not have otherwise considered.

Lawyers for Christian Sturdivant have not yet made any public statements regarding the case.