18-year-old charged with planning New Year’s terror attack in North Carolina ‘directly inspired’ by ISIS, FBI says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) — The FBI said it “thwarted a potential” New Year’s Eve terror attack in North Carolina.

“The subject was directly inspired to act by ISIS,” the FBI said in a post on X.

“Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media.

Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old from Mint Hill, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. According to U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, Sturdivant had been planning an attack in support of ISIS for approximately a year.

The attack was intended to target a grocery store or fast-food restaurant. His arrest followed communication with an undercover FBI agent.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are working on the case. The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.