Christian Sturdivant: How Authorities Stopped an ISIS-Inspired Plot in North Carolina
Christian Sturdivant
US federal authorities say they narrowly prevented a potential terror attack planned for New Year’s Eve in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old suspect accused of plotting violent assaults on public locations near Charlotte.
At a press briefing on Friday, prosecutors revealed that the suspect, identified as Christian Sturdivant, had allegedly been planning the attack for nearly a year. The intended targets included a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, a suburban town located just outside Charlotte.
According to officials, the planned attack was stopped only days before it could be carried out, averting what authorities say could have resulted in mass casualties.
Weapons, Notes, and a Year-Long Plot
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said investigators uncovered disturbing evidence when the FBI executed a search warrant at Sturdivant’s home. Hidden beneath the suspect’s bed were knives and hammers, along with handwritten notes outlining detailed plans for the alleged attack.
Prosecutors allege Sturdivant intended to use the weapons in a coordinated assault on unsuspecting civilians during the New Year’s Eve period, a time when public places are typically crowded.
“This was not idle talk,” Ferguson said, describing the evidence as clear indicators of preparation and intent.
Alleged ISIS Influence
The FBI’s Charlotte field office said the suspect was directly inspired by ISIS ideology, though investigators believe he was acting alone. Authorities allege Sturdivant communicated about his plans with an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed was affiliated with ISIS.
During those conversations, officials say, the suspect expressed violent extremist beliefs and discussed preparations for what he viewed as “jihad.” Ferguson warned that the alleged plot posed a real and imminent threat to innocent lives.
A History of Warning Signs
According to FBI Special Agent James Barnacle Jr., Sturdivant first drew the attention of federal investigators as far back as January 2022. At the time, he was allegedly communicating online with an unidentified ISIS supporter who encouraged him to dress in black, knock on doors, and attack people with a hammer.
Barnacle said that following that interaction, the suspect reportedly left his home dressed in black and carrying a hammer. Family members intervened before anyone was harmed. No charges were filed at the time, and the suspect received psychological treatment.
Authorities later believed Sturdivant no longer had access to social media platforms. However, investigators say they discovered last month that he had returned online and was operating a TikTok account containing posts supportive of ISIS.
Arrest on New Year’s Eve
Earlier this week, the FBI attempted to have Sturdivant involuntarily committed for medical evaluation, but a state magistrate declined the request. Shortly after, agents arrested him on New Year’s Eve as he was being released from a local medical facility.
Although Sturdivant was employed at a Burger King, officials declined to confirm whether that location was among the intended targets of the alleged plot.
The suspect, a US citizen, made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday morning.
Charges and Broader Context
Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a federal offense that carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison.
The announcement comes amid heightened security concerns across the US during the holiday season. Less than three weeks earlier, federal authorities in Southern California charged four individuals linked to a far-left anti-government group for allegedly planning coordinated bomb attacks on New Year’s Eve.
Officials say both cases highlight the evolving and unpredictable nature of domestic extremism threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What attack was allegedly planned in North Carolina?
Authorities say the suspect planned to attack a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect is 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, a US citizen.
Was the suspect linked to ISIS?
Investigators say he was inspired by ISIS ideology but acted alone.
What weapons were allegedly involved?
Knives and hammers were recovered from the suspect’s home.
What charges does the suspect face?
He is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.