An 18-year-old was arrested on New Year’s Eve in a Charlotte suburb, accused of plotting a terror attack with ties to ISIS. Christian Sturdivant faces serious charges, including attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Details of the Arrest
Federal prosecutors and the FBI announced Sturdivant’s arrest late Friday morning. He was taken into custody right after being discharged from a medical facility.
Communication with Undercover Agent
Sturdivant communicated online with someone he believed to be an ISIS member. Instead, he was in contact with an undercover NYPD agent.
Assumed Attack Plans
Although Sturdivant intended to carry out an attack on New Year’s Eve, it wasn’t linked to a specific celebration. He planned to target a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in Mint Hill, a suburb of Charlotte more than 10 miles from the city.
Evidence Found
- Hammers and knives hidden under his bed.
- Handwritten notes detailing the plot and potential targets.
- A manifesto titled “New Years Attack 2026.”
This manifesto indicated his intent to attack Jews, Christians, and the LGBTQ community, aiming to harm as many civilians as possible.
Background and Previous Interventions
Authorities first became aware of Sturdivant in January 2022 when he interacted with an unidentified ISIS member online. Back then, the member encouraged him to wear all black and attack individuals with a hammer, advice that nearly led Sturdivant into committing violence before a family member intervened.
Recent Activities
In late December, the Charlotte FBI field office discovered that Sturdivant had resumed posting pro-ISIS content on TikTok under a pseudonym. This prompted a two-week investigation into his activities.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentencing
Sturdivant is currently being held at Gaston County Jail under federal custody. If convicted, he could face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years.
The teen made his first court appearance on Friday, with another hearing scheduled for January 7. His attorney has not responded to requests for comments.
Similar Incidents
This case is at least the second attempted attack disrupted during the New Year’s holiday. In Los Angeles, four individuals were arrested for plotting a bomb attack during the celebration.
Ferguson emphasized how fortunate it was that the plot did not come to fruition, stating Sturdivant’s attack was “very well planned” and that innocent lives were at stake.
