The FBI disrupted an alleged plot to attack people inside a North Carolina grocery store on New Year’s Eve in support of the Islamic State terrorist group, prosecutors revealed Friday, according to Fox News.
Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, outside Charlotte, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson told Fox News.
If convicted, Sturdivant faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in federal prison, prosecutors told Fox News.
What prosecutors say happened
Fox News reported that prosecutors said Sturdivant recently began communicating online with a person he believed was affiliated with ISIS, but who was actually a government online covert employee, identified in a criminal complaint as 'OC.'
During those exchanges, prosecutors allege, Sturdivant said, 'I will do jihad soon,' and described himself as 'a soldier of the state,' meaning ISIS, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as quoted by Fox News.
Prosecutors also allege he discussed attacking a specific grocery store in North Carolina and plans to buy a firearm to use alongside knives, Fox News reported.
What investigators say they found
Fox News reported that prosecutors said a Dec. 29 search of Sturdivant’s residence uncovered handwritten documents, including one titled 'New Years Attack 2026,' listing gear and describing an intent to stab as many civilians as possible, with a targeted victim count, and a 'martyrdom' plan involving responding police. Fox News
Law enforcement also seized weapons that prosecutors say were found in his bedroom, Fox News reported. Fox News
How the case surfaced
According to Fox News, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said the FBI in Charlotte received information on Dec. 18 that an individual later identified as Sturdivant was posting pro-ISIS content on social media.
What officials are saying
In a statement to Fox News Digital, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau “quickly identified the threat and acted decisively,” crediting the Joint Terrorism Task Force and regional partners in New York and Western North Carolina. Fox News
The FBI Charlotte Field Office’s special agent in charge, James C. Barnacle Jr., said the case shows the bureau’s focus on protecting North Carolina residents and highlighted cooperation with DOJ, NYPD, Mint Hill Police and Joint Terrorism Task Force partners, Fox News reported.
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