An 18-year-old North Carolina resident, Christian Sturdivant, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization in connection with an alleged plot inspired by ISIS. Authorities stated that Sturdivant allegedly planned to carry out attacks using knives and hammers at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill on New Year's Eve. He was arrested on New Year's Eve and made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday, January 5.
Charges and Arrest
Christian Sturdivant, a U.S. citizen from Mint Hill, North Carolina, was arrested by the FBI on New Year's Eve. The arrest occurred as he was being released from a local medical facility, preventing the alleged plan from commencing. Federal prosecutors and the FBI have charged Sturdivant with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Sturdivant made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday morning, where he was remanded in custody. He has not yet entered a plea regarding the charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 7. If convicted, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Allegations of the Plot
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson stated that Sturdivant had allegedly been planning the attack for approximately one year. The alleged plan involved targeting a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, a suburb near Charlotte. Investigators reported that Sturdivant had been monitoring multiple grocery stores in the area to identify a location with a high concentration of people on New Year's Eve, seeking a "high-profile place."
During the execution of a search warrant at Sturdivant's residence, FBI agents reported discovering knives and hammers hidden beneath his bed. They also reported finding handwritten notes outlining alleged attack plans. These documents included a handwritten document titled "New Years Attack 2026," which was described as a manifesto. This document allegedly indicated targets as Jewish, Christian, and LGBTQ communities, with a stated objective to stab "as many civilians as possible." The note reportedly also contained a section labeled "martyrdom op," which described a plan to attack responding law enforcement. The criminal complaint alleges Sturdivant intended to use knives and hammers and wear a Kevlar vest during the alleged attacks.
Investigation Details and Communications
Investigators believe Sturdivant acted alone and was "directly inspired" by ISIS. The FBI affidavit in the case indicates that Sturdivant came under investigation last month after information surfaced about a social media account, which officials linked to him, that posted content supportive of Islamic State (IS). These posts reportedly depicted a ballistic vest and appeared to promote violence. The display name for the account referenced the name of the late IS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Sturdivant allegedly discussed his plans with an undercover FBI agent whom he believed to be affiliated with ISIS. He also reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS to an NYPD undercover agent, stating his intention to "do jihad soon." In December, he allegedly communicated online with two undercover agents from the FBI and New York Police Department, whom he believed were affiliated with ISIS. During these communications, he allegedly shared photos of two hammers and a knife and discussed details for a coming attack. Weeks prior to his New Year's Eve arrest, the Charlotte FBI field office received information that Sturdivant was again active online, posting pro-ISIS content on TikTok under a pseudonym. This led to a two-week investigation into his activities.
Prior Contacts with Law Enforcement
The FBI first became aware of Sturdivant in January 2022, when he was 14 years old. At that time, he allegedly communicated via social media with an unidentified ISIS member overseas who reportedly instructed him to dress in black and attack individuals with a hammer. Sturdivant reportedly left his home dressed in black with a hammer, but his family, including his grandfather, intervened. No charges were filed in connection with that incident, and he subsequently underwent psychological care. The FBI closed its investigation after he began treatment, and he was reportedly restricted from social media access.
However, approximately a week before Christmas, the Charlotte Field Office of the FBI received information indicating that Sturdivant had regained access to social media. On Monday night, December 31, the FBI attempted to secure an involuntary commitment for Sturdivant for medical attention, but a state magistrate denied the request.