At a Glance
- FBI foils New Year’s Eve plot targeting a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina, arresting 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant.
- Sturdivant pledged loyalty to the Islamic State and was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
- He planned attacks with knives and hammers, targeting a Burger King and an unnamed grocery store in Mint Hill.
- Why it matters: The operation shows how the FBI’s sting tactics can prevent IS-inspired attacks before they occur.
The FBI disrupted a planned New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. The suspect had detailed plans to strike a Burger King and a grocery store in Mint Hill with knives and hammers. The arrest follows a month-long investigation that began after the suspect’s social-media activity linked him to IS propaganda.
FBI Disrupts New Year’s Eve Plot
On Wednesday, FBI agents detained Christian Sturdivant in Mint Hill after weeks of surveillance that began on Christmas. Prosecutors say he told an undercover employee, posing as a supporter, that he intended to attack people on New Year’s Eve.
- Surveillance included constant monitoring on Christmas.
- Agents were ready to arrest him earlier if he left home with weapons.
- No public harm reported.
U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson said:
> “At no point was the public in harm’s way.”
Sturdivant was arrested Wednesday and remained in custody after a federal court appearance Friday. A hearing is scheduled for January 7.
Evidence and Motive
Investigators uncovered a manifesto and a handwritten note that outlined the planned attacks and the number of intended victims. The note also warned of attacking arriving officers and expressed a desire to die at police’s hands.
- Manifesto detailed knife and hammer attacks.
- Note listed intended victims at Burger King and grocery store.
- Sturdivant claimed willingness to sacrifice himself.
FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle said:
> “Sturdivant was willing to sacrifice himself.”
He added:
> “He underwent psychological treatment in January 2022 after being on the FBI’s radar as a minor.”
Timeline of Investigation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2022 | Sturdivant on FBI radar as a minor |
| Last month | Investigation began after social-media link |
| Wednesday | Arrest |
| Friday | Court appearance |
| January 7 | Next hearing |
The affidavit also notes that Sturdivant had been linked to a social-media account praising IS, with a display name referencing Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Key Takeaways
- FBI foiled a New Year’s Eve plot involving knives and hammers.
- 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant pledged loyalty to IS.
- Sturdivant faces up to 20 years if convicted.
The case underscores the FBI’s ongoing efforts to intercept extremist plots before they reach the streets.
