The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has successfully intercepted a potential terrorist attack allegedly planned for New Year's Eve in North Carolina, inspired by the extremist group ISIS.
Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old resident of Mint Hill in Mecklenburg County, has been taken into custody and is now facing federal charges.
Authorities revealed that Sturdivant had shown an interest in extremism for years and had been plotting the attack for at least a year before it was ultimately foiled.
The investigation uncovered that the young man had been engaging with material on websites linked to the terrorist organization and sharing related content on TikTok. He eventually established contact with individuals he believed to be ISIS members, who were actually undercover agents—first from the New York Police Department and later from the FBI.
On December 14, Sturdivant sent images of bladed weapons to an FBI agent. Five days later, he pledged allegiance to ISIS and detailed his plan to attack a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, aiming to kill as many as 20 people using knives and hammers on the night of December 31.
The FBI's search of his residence uncovered detailed notes on the planned attack and weapons, affirming the level of preparation.
Russ Ferguson, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, described the plot as "well-planned" and warned that "innocent people were going to die."
Sturdivant intended to be shot by police following the attack. He was arrested on the day he intended to carry out the plot and appeared in court on Friday. He faces charges of attempting to support a terrorist organization, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison, with a hearing scheduled for January 7.
Court documents referenced by NBC News show that law enforcement had been monitoring him since 2022. That year, as a minor, he reportedly left his home armed with a hammer and a knife to kill a neighbor but was intercepted by his grandfather, James Barnacle, before he could act.
A sworn affidavit, also cited by NBC News, revealed that Sturdivant planned to target a wide swath of American society, including non-Muslims, LGBTQ community members, police officers, and military personnel.
Ferguson noted that Sturdivant chose a grocery store because he "sought a crowded place" and anticipated high foot traffic.
This incident is part of a series of ISIS-inspired attacks and plots in the United States over the past decade.
Approximately two weeks ago, an FBI operation thwarted a significant bombing plot in Southern California, targeting areas including Orange and Los Angeles counties.
Five individuals were arrested, identified as members of a far-left group with pro-Palestinian, anti-government, and anti-capitalist views. They planned to execute the attacks on New Year's Eve using backpacks filled with homemade explosives placed at strategic locations.
The threat extended beyond civilian infrastructure. Some conspirators also discussed plans to target agents and vehicles of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the early months of the following year, aiming to cause casualties and instill fear among law enforcement.
Federal authorities identified four of those arrested in California, while a fifth suspect was apprehended in New Orleans, where, according to FBI Director Kash Patel, he was planning a separate but related violent attack.
Understanding the FBI's Role in Preventing Terrorism
How did the FBI prevent the New Year's Eve attack?
The FBI conducted an undercover operation where agents posed as ISIS members, leading to the arrest of Christian Sturdivant before he could carry out his planned attack.
What charges does Christian Sturdivant face?
Sturdivant faces charges of attempting to support a terrorist organization, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
What other recent terror plots has the FBI disrupted?
The FBI recently thwarted a large-scale bombing plot in Southern California, arresting five individuals linked to a far-left extremist group.