ISIS Plot Thwarted As FBI Arrests 18-Year-Old in Mint Hill Over New Year Eve’s Attack Plan

Federal authorities announced they have thwarted a terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in Mint Hill, North Carolina, following a joint investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and local law enforcement. Officials say Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested on December 31 and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS. According to the federal complaint, investigators recovered a manifesto detailing plans for a mass-casualty attack in a public shopping area. Authorities credit swift coordination between the FBI, Mint Hill Police Department, and federal prosecutors for preventing what they say could have been a national tragedy. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are being considered.