Highlights:
- FBI arrested an 18-year-old suspect on December 31, 2025
- Alleged targets included a grocery store and fast-food restaurant
- Authorities say the plot was inspired by the Islamic State group
- Case involved an undercover FBI employee
- Suspect faces a charge of providing material support to terrorism
The FBI says it disrupted a potential New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities allege was inspired by the Islamic State group and had discussed plans to carry out violence at local businesses.
According to federal officials, Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested on Wednesday (31) , and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors allege that Sturdivant communicated his plans to an undercover FBI employee who was posing online as a sympathetic contact.
The FBI announced the arrest on Friday (2), saying the alleged plot targeted a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, a small suburban community near Charlotte. US Attorney Russ Ferguson, who oversees the western district of North Carolina, declined to identify the specific businesses, citing the ongoing investigation.
Sturdivant appeared in federal court Friday (1) morning and remains in custody. Another court hearing is scheduled for January 7. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
An affidavit filed by the FBI states that the investigation began last month after authorities received information about a social media account believed to be connected to Sturdivant. According to the affidavit, the account included posts supportive of the Islamic State group, including images and language that authorities interpreted as promoting violence. The account’s display name reportedly referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of the extremist organization.
Investigators say Sturdivant began communicating through social media with someone he believed supported his intentions. That person was, in fact, an undercover FBI employee. Officials allege that during those conversations, Sturdivant expressed loyalty to the Islamic State group and discussed carrying out an attack.
The affidavit also notes that Sturdivant had previously come to the attention of the FBI in January 2022, when he was a minor. At that time, authorities say he had been in contact with an Islamic State supporter based in Europe and had received guidance encouraging acts of violence. According to court records, he was restrained by a family member before any harm occurred.
Federal officials emphasized that no one was injured in the New Year’s Eve incident and credited the investigation with preventing potential violence. The case comes amid continued concerns about individuals in the United States becoming radicalized online by extremist groups.
Over the past decade, the FBI has disrupted multiple alleged terror plots through undercover operations in which agents posed as supporters of extremist causes. Law enforcement officials say such tactics are necessary to identify and stop threats before they materialize. Civil liberties advocates, however, have raised concerns that some sting operations risk targeting vulnerable individuals.
The FBI said it remains committed to monitoring and addressing threats to public safety while urging the public to report suspicious activity to authorities.
